The director-general of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a grave warning that Gaza’s health crisis is so severe it will leave lasting scars for “generations to come,” calling for an urgent and unconditional increase in humanitarian aid.

Speaking Tuesday on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Tedros described the situation in Gaza as “beyond words,” citing a devastating mix of famine, mass casualties, collapsed sanitation systems, and restricted humanitarian access. “If you take the famine and combine it with a mental health problem which is rampant, then the situation is a crisis for generations,” he said, urging Israel to “de-link” aid delivery from political and military dynamics.

The warning comes in the wake of the October 10 ceasefire, which has allowed over 6,700 tonnes of food to enter Gaza. However, this remains far below the World Food Programme’s daily target of 2,000 tonnes. Tedros noted that only 200–300 trucks are entering the enclave each day, compared to the 600 required, and that essential supplies—such as tent poles for field hospitals—are being confiscated as “dual-use” items.

More than 700 people have reportedly died while awaiting medical evacuations, which have been delayed by logistical bottlenecks and holiday closures. Tedros called for expanded flight access and unrestricted evacuation routes.

According to UN estimates, rebuilding Gaza’s shattered health infrastructure—amid a death toll exceeding 68,000 since October 2023—will require $7 billion of the broader $70 billion reconstruction budget. Aid officials, including UN OCHA’s Tom Fletcher, acknowledged a “turning tide on starvation” but emphasized that far more support is needed.

While welcoming the ceasefire, Tedros condemned the politicization of aid. “There should be full access, no condition, especially after all living hostages were released,” he said. With 10% of global aid routes currently blocked, the WHO chief’s plea underscores a stark choice: rebuild Gaza’s health system or risk generational devastation.