GENEVA, Switzerland — The World Health Organization’s executive board on Sunday adopted a resolution calling for immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza after the WHO chief said medics were facing unimaginable conditions.
The 34 countries on the board adopted the resolution by consensus, even though some, notably the United States, had reservations about the dearth of references to the Hamas attacks of October 7.
In addition to calling for immediate humanitarian relief, the resolution demanded the granting of exit permits for patients.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the board had managed to achieve “the first consensus resolution on the conflict… since it began two months ago.”
He added it was “a platform on wh ich to build”.
The resolution seeks the supply and replenishment of medicine and medical equipment to the civilian population and ensure access to medical treatment.
It was brought forward by Afghanistan, Morocco, Qatar and Yemen.
US ambassador Bathsheba Crocker said Washington agreed not to block consensus on the text but had “significant reservations”, saying it “regrets the lack of balance in the resolution”.
Canada said it considered the text a “compromise resolution” which could have gone further with additional language acknowledging the role of Hamas in the conflict, its taking of hostages and “use of human shields”.
And Australia took issue with the text not making specific reference to the October 7 attacks which it said has been “the catalyst for the current devastating situation”.
Tedros opened the special session in Geneva by saying the war between Israel and Hamas was having a “catastrophic impact” on health in Gaza, with medics facing an “impossible” job.
“As more and more people move to a smaller and smaller area, overcrowding, combined with the lack of adequate food, water, shelter and sanitation, are creating the ideal conditions for disease to spread,” he said.
“Gaza’s health system is on its knees and collapsing,” Tedros said, with only 14 out of 36 hospitals functioning with any capacity at all. Only 1,400 hospital beds out of an original 3,500 are still available, he added.
Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas after the group’s unprecedented attacks on October 7, when its fighters broke through Gaza’s militarised border, killed about 1,200 people and seized hostages, according to Israeli officials.
In response, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has killed almost 18,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The special session was called by 17 of the 34 countries on the executive board, which advises the WHO’s decision-making body, and then implement its decisions.
Palestinian health minister Mai al-Kaila, speaking via video-link from Ramallah, called for the immediate cessation of the “brutal war in Gaza” and the unconditional flow of fuel, water, aid and medical supplies into the territory.
“The daily horrors we all witness defy international law and shatter the very essence of our shared humanity,” she said.
Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel’s ambassador in Geneva, said that on October 6, “there was a ceasefire with Hamas. On October 7, we woke up to a new reality”.
“Hamas is responsible for this suffering” she said, adding: “If we stop now, Hamas will carry out another October 7.”
LOS ANGELES – Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA superstar LeBron James, made his collegiate basketball debut Sunday (Monday Manila time), less than five months after suffering cardiac arrest during practice.
With his famous father sitting courtside and catching the action on his cellphone, Bronny James came off the bench in the first half of the University of Southern California’s 84-79 overtime loss to Long Beach State.
James played 16 minutes, scoring four points with three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
He was given medical approval to return to basketball activities in November and returned to training with his USC teammates shortly thereafter.
James, a prized high school prospect closely scrutinized because of his father, opted to play for USC in May.
But in a July workout he collapsed and was hospitalized for three days. His family revealed in August that he had been diagnosed with and treated for a congenital heart defect.
The Galen Center in downtown Los Angeles was packed, LeBron James making his entrance to courtside seats accompanied by daughter Zhuri and son Bryce, who plays basketball for Sierra Canyon high school.
Bronny James got a standing ovation when he entered the game with 12:58 remaining in the first half. He missed his only shot in the first half but drew a roar with a chase-down block that evoked the moves of his famous father.
He scored his first points with a second-half three-pointer that again had fans, including his dad, on their feet.
On Thursday, James said his son’s return to the court meant “everything and more.
“I can’t wait to see him run out with his teammates,” James said. “And then once he checks into the game, whenever that case may be, it’s going to be a big moment for our family.
“It’s a big milestone for our family, for sure, and it’s another step for him on his journey in his basketball career.”
Dwyane Wade, who teamed with LeBron James to win two NBA titles in Miami, noted the moment on the X social media platform.
“Watching Bronny walk out on that court gave me chills…” Wade posted. “Welcome back to the game you love Bronny”
Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns also offered a shout-out posting “Welcome back Bronny”.