WHO appeals for faster medical aid into Gaza before winter
6 October 2026
WHO said repeated delays in bringing medicines and prosthetics into Gaza risk devastating consequences.
It is almost 12 months into a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel marked by ongoing Israeli airstrikes.
Approved aid can enter only via Kerem Shalom; Rafah is open only for limited movement of people.
Almost 87 per cent of medicines are approved and just over 1 per cent rejected, but one prosthetics shipment was rejected four times.
Almost two million people need shelter against cold and flooding as winter begins.
WHO's Dr Reinhilde Van De Weerdt asked for unimpeded entry of supplies through several crossings.
In plain words
Dual use Items that could serve civilian and military purposes — Israel bars some items on this ground; WHO says essential medicines should not count.