Dr. Hanan Balkhi, WHO Regional Director for the Middle East, emphasized the immense suffering faced by Gazans, stating, "all people in Gaza face unimaginable violence and losses, with nowhere to flee."

She warned that further cuts to UNRWA's funding would have devastating consequences, as "no agency, including WHO, can fill the critical gaps that may arise if UNRWA is unable to operate at full capacity."

Dr. Balkhi stressed that the impact extends beyond Gaza, as funding cuts also affect Palestinian refugee populations in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria served by UNRWA.

Adding to the urgency, she pointed out the "woefully inadequate" level of life-saving aid currently reaching Gaza. The recent halt of food deliveries to northern Gaza by the World Food Programme, she warned, "will further deteriorate the situation," putting hundreds of thousands at risk, particularly children and pregnant women, who face increased vulnerability to malnutrition, disease, and even death. (ILKHA)