WHO has been appalled by the continuing trend for health-care facilities, staff and vehicles to come under direct fire in Gaza since the escalation of violence on 8 July 2014.

Sustained calm is needed so thousands of injured people can receive urgently needed health care. It is vital for health facilities and staff to be able to perform their life-saving work without fear of attack.

WHO reminds all parties to the conflict of their ethical and legal obligations to protect medical services under international humanitarian law. The Organization calls on all parties and individuals to respect and protect the integrity of health systems, and assure the safety of patients, health workers and health-care facilities.

Media contact:

Paul Garwood Communications officer Mobile: +41 7 96 03 72 94 Telephone: +41 22 791 1578 Email: garwoodp@who.int