Dr Gezairy, the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, is expecting to visit Gaza on early next week, in support of the critical humanitarian situation prevailing following 22 days of Israel military operations in the enclave.

Today, the devastation is huge. Vital infrastructures has been severely compromised or destroyed, resulting in lack of shelter, deterioration of water and sanitation services, food insecurity, overcrowding and severely curtailed access to health services. In this regard, on 15 January, WHO had deplored the shelling of Al Quds and Al Wafa hospitals in Gaza and had called for the respect of the inviolability of the health facilities in conflict zones.

Since the beginning of the conflict on December 27, WHO has been working very closely with health authorities in Egypt and in the occupied Palestinian territory to coordinate the emergency health response. Now that a cease-fire is implemented, WHO, the Ministry of Health, the UNRWA health department and health partners have started health needs assessments to ensure a proper coordination of humanitarian relief in the longer term. The focus is on information gathering on life-saving needs and early recovery activities. WHO is coordinating the Health Cluster international emergency health response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza through its offices and operational hubs in Jerusalem, Gaza, Rafah, Geneva and Cairo.

As part of his agenda, Dr Gezairy will visit several key sites to see the extent of the damage and the response brought by WHO and health partners. He will meet the health authorities, visit the UNRWA office and a hospital. Dr Gezairy will conclude his visit by conducting a Press conference.

A lot is already under way but a huge amount remains to be done. WHO will continue to support the massive reconstruction process by implementing the health system recovery plans and ensuring that local health authorities will have soon the capacity to take over the lead in all these key areas.