Since 7 October 2023, the escalating crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory has caused large numbers of civilian deaths and injuries.
Although the situation has improved since the announcement of a ceasefire in October 2025, the health needs remain immense while health capacities are limited.
For the last years, hospitals have been operating far beyond capacity due to rising numbers of patients. Thousands are suffering from life-changing injuries and require long-term rehabilitation care. The provision of essential health services – from maternal and newborn care to treatment for chronic physical and mental health conditions – has been severely compromised, due to the lack of access and hostilities near hospitals.
Attacks on health have been reported in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, killing and injuring health workers and patients, and damaging health facilities and ambulances.
WHO continues working with partners to address the most urgent health needs, while supporting the longer-term recovery and reconstruction of Gaza’s health system. We deliver life-saving supplies, organize external medical help, and monitor and respond to disease outbreaks.
WHO urges all parties to respect the ongoing ceasefire, to ensure safe access to health care, and more generally to protect health.
Ultimately, WHO calls for peace.
