The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an urgent appeal on May 24, 2025, calling for Israel to allow trucks carrying medical aid into Gaza to address a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The WHO’s statement, delivered by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where hospitals are overwhelmed, medical supplies are critically low, and thousands of civilians face life-threatening conditions due to ongoing conflict and restricted access. The appeal followed reports that dozens of aid trucks, loaded with essential supplies like antibiotics, surgical equipment, and vaccines, were being blocked at border crossings, particularly Rafah and Kerem Shalom.
The WHO emphasized that the blockade violates international humanitarian law, which mandates unrestricted access to medical aid for civilians in conflict zones. Gaza’s health system, already decimated by years of conflict, has been further strained by recent escalations, with over 50% of hospitals partially or fully destroyed. The WHO reported that preventable diseases, such as cholera, are surging due to lack of clean water and medical care, while trauma cases from airstrikes and ground operations are overwhelming understaffed facilities. The organization called for a ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery and protect healthcare workers, who have faced targeted attacks.
Israel has cited security concerns, including the risk of weapons smuggling, as the reason for restricting aid trucks, while humanitarian agencies argue that rigorous inspections could address these concerns without delaying life-saving supplies. The WHO’s appeal has garnered support from the United Nations and international NGOs, with protests in several countries demanding action. The situation remains critical, with Gaza’s 2.3 million residents facing acute shortages of food, water, and medicine. The WHO has vowed to continue advocating for open access and is working with partners to preposition aid at border points, pending approval for entry.