WHO warns of "catastrophic" health situation across Gaza Strip

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that while besieged Palestinian residents are facing widespread malnutrition and hunger, public health conditions in Gaza are "catastrophic", with hospitals operating far beyond capacity.

In a recent interview with the China Central Television (CCTV), Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, said that the bed occupancy rate in all hospitals across Gaza has far exceeded capacity, and there remains a severe shortage of essential supplies.

"The overall health situation remains catastrophic across the Gaza Strip. Currently, less than 50 percent of the hospitals and less than 38 percent of the primary health centers across the Gaza Strip are partially or minimal functional. Also you've seen a stark reduction in so called medical points." he said.

In recent days, multiple Palestinian civilians have come under gunfire near aid distribution points run by Israel and the United States.

Peeperkorn stressed that hospitals in Gaza are struggling to cope with the casualties from these distribution points.

In addition, persistent hunger and malnutrition have continued to plague Gaza, with malnutrition weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of injury, infection, and communicable diseases.

WHO warns of "catastrophic" health situation across Gaza Strip

WHO warns of "catastrophic" health situation across Gaza Strip

WHO warns of "catastrophic" health situation across Gaza Strip

WHO warns of "catastrophic" health situation across Gaza Strip

China's research icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, departed Christchurch, New Zealand for the 42nd Antarctic Expedition on Thursday after completing resupply operations.

The vessel arrived at New Zealand's Lyttelton Port Sunday evening.

During its stay in Lyttelton, the vessel took on 1,200 tons of light oil and replenished supplies including vegetables, fruits, and fresh water.

The light oil will be brought to China's Zhongshan Station in Antarctica, exclusively for fixed-wing aircraft.

Thirty four new crew members boarded the ship in Lyttelton to commence oceanographic operations.

The supplies of fruit, vegetables and other food items include not only items for the Xuelong crew but are also destined for the Qinling Station.

"The Qinling Station has a longer overwintering period, so they will run out of fruits later in the season. To better support their daily needs, we've replenished large quantities of green vegetables, fruits, beverages, as well as beef and mutton," said Li Donghui, the service team leader of the Xuelong vessel.

During its port call, the Xuelong also completed a freshwater replenishment of approximately 600 tons. The freshwater is primarily for drinking and kitchen use, serving as vital daily supplies for the expedition team during their subsequent fieldwork.

China's Xuelong icebreaker leaves New Zealand for Antarctic expedition after replenishment