War between Israel and Hamas: WHO calls for the release of all hostages “for health reasons”

She says she is “seriously concerned.” The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday called on Hamas to provide evidence of the lives of the hostages it is holding and release them all “for health reasons” on the 19th day of the war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement.

“It is urgent that hostage takers prove they are alive and receiving treatment, and that they release all those taken for humanitarian and medical reasons,” World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom said in a statement. Ghebreyesus.

“Many hostages, including children, women and the elderly, suffer from pre-existing conditions that require urgent and ongoing care and treatment,” he said, adding that “the mental trauma faced by abductees and their families is acute , and they need psychosocial support.” great importance”.

The head of WHO also noted that the organization is “ready” to support the Red Cross, “which has a mandate to provide support to hostages in conflict situations.”

Dramatic humanitarian situation

The dramatic humanitarian situation in a small area of ​​362 km2 is also of concern to the international community. Six hospitals have already closed due to fuel shortages in the Gaza Strip, where 2.4 million Palestinians are stranded in catastrophic conditions, according to WHO.

The UN is urgently calling for fuel to run generators at hospitals where thousands of wounded are flocking, to pump and purify water, and to keep trucks moving. But Israel refuses, saying it would benefit Hamas, which it considers, along with the United States and the European Union, a “terrorist” organization.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France would send a warship to “support hospitals.” The latest, a hospital ship, set sail for the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. As for the hostages, the Head of State emphasized that “some information gives hope” for the further release of the hostages “in the coming hours.” However, he said he was “very careful” not to “give false hope to families.”