Reconstructing the healthcare infrastructure in Gaza presents a formidable challenge, as highlighted by Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization's (WHO) representative in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Currently, only half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain operational, with over a quarter of the wounded facing life-altering injuries.

During a virtual press conference from Geneva, Dr. Peeperkorn articulated the extensive financial requirements to rehabilitate Gaza's health system, estimating costs to exceed $10 billion.

His comments underscore the complexity of reviving healthcare services amid ongoing humanitarian crises.

The specter of famine looms large, with critical healthcare services unavailable in many areas.

The recent ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, yet the enormity of the task ahead remains daunting.

The WHO, alongside its partners, is poised to back the revitalization efforts, focusing on expanding operations, securing vital supplies, and resources to meet immediate needs and facilitate early recovery initiatives.

Dr. Peeperkorn urged the removal of significant security and political barriers that hinder aid distribution across Gaza.

He emphasized that restoring the healthcare system is a collective endeavor, necessitating close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, healthcare workers, and partners.

Advocating for Palestinian-led, locally appropriate solutions, Dr. Peeperkorn called on donors and the international community to provide flexible funding to enable swift and effective responses to both urgent and long-term needs.

Despite the challenging circumstances, WHO and its partners are committed to supporting Gaza's health infrastructure recovery, a task recognized as both critical and complex in the face of persistent geopolitical and logistical hurdles.