Geneva (ANTARA News) – The head of the United Nations` World Health Organization (WHO) condemned the “grave situation” in the Gaza Strip Monday and voiced her concern over its impact on the population`s health.
Dr Margaret Chan said the spread of infectious disease was only one problem facing the 1.5 million strong population.
“Disruption in the continuity of essential services take a heavy toll on people needing emergency care and those suffering from conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes,” she said.
She was addressing members of the WHO executive board meeting in Geneva a day after the fuel blockade by Israel forced the closure of the only electricity plant Sunday evening, leaving large parts of the Strip in darkness and without power.
Warnings by the international community of a humanitarian disaster amid fuel and food shortages in the Strip have intensified in response to the deteriorating situation.
Officials in Gaza have warned that hospitals were running on diesel-operated emergency generators, which would soon run out of fuel, DPA reported.(*)