World Health Organization calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

The World Health Organization has issued an urgent appeal to "the humanity in all those who have the power to do so to end the fighting now” in Gaza.

In a statement, the said health workers, patients and civilians were affected by a total communications blackout in Gaza as Israel pounded the Palestinian territory with the fiercest airstrikes since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7.

“There are more wounded every hour. But ambulances cannot reach them in the communications blackout. Morgues are full. More than half of the dead are women and children,” it said.

“The WHO reiterates its calls for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire and reminds all parties to the conflict to take all precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” the statement added.

WHO expressed “grave concerns” about reported bombardment near the Indonesia and Shifa hospitals in the northern half of Gaza.

On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces alleged that Hamas has created an underground military base beneath the largest hospital in Gaza.

The IDF released images and accompanying graphics claiming an extensive command post exists under Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

"Hamas terrorists operate inside and under Shifa hospital — and other hospitals in Gaza — with a network of terror tunnels," said IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. "Shifa is not the only hospital — it is one of many. Hamas-use of hospitals is systematic."

The Al-Shifa Hospital is the largest medical care facility in Gaza, with 1,500 beds and over 4,000 staff members.