WHO expresses deep sadness at the loss of lives and widespread injuries across the occupied Palestinian territory.
As of 16 May, 192 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of escalations, including 58 children and 34 women, based on reports of health authorities.
Last night on 15 May 2021, two medical colleagues were killed in airstrikes on their homes and families. Dr Ayman Abu al-Ouf was head of the internal medicine department at Shifa Hospital. His wife, two children and three other family members were also killed. Dr Moen al-Aloul worked as a psychiatrist for the Ministry of Health before his retirement.
WHO has documented 74 attacks against health care across the occupied Palestinian territory since the start of Ramadan, including the destruction and partial destruction of health facilities during aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
WHO calls for an immediate end to violence and for the respect and protection of civilians and health care in line with international law.