The city currently serves as a base for humanitarian operations inside Gaza after months of heavy Israeli bombardment and civilian casualties, Xinhua news agency reports.
Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ground offensive in Rafah would continue regardless of any potential ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
With more than 1.2 million people trapped in Rafah, the city's poor health system could not cope with the potential devastation if Israel launched an incursion into the region.
At a press briefing in Geneva, Jens Larke, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, warned that thousands of people in Gaza would be at risk of death in the event of an attack.
“This could lead to the killing of civilians and an incredible blow to the humanitarian operation across the entire strip,” he said.,
The border town is an important entry point for humanitarian aid. Dozens of AI organizations stockpile supplies of food, water, health, hygiene and sanitation items for civilians in the Gaza Strip in southern Gaza City.
WHO is making contingency plans to ensure that health systems remain prepared and can continue to provide care, but these plans will only be a "Band-Aid", said Richard Pepperkorn, representative in WHO's office for the West Bank and Gaza. Briefing explained through video link.
WHO said in a statement that an increase in new displacements will worsen overcrowding, increasing pressure on resources such as food, water and health care.
This will lead to increased disease outbreaks, increased hunger and resulting further loss of life.The Geneva-based health body said only 33 percent of Gaza's 36 hospitals and primary health care centers are partially functional amid repeated attacks and shortages of medical supplies, fuel and staff.
Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ground offensive in Rafah would continue regardless of any potential ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
With more than 1.2 million people trapped in Rafah, the city's poor health system could not cope with the potential devastation if Israel launched an incursion into the region.
At a press briefing in Geneva, Jens Larke, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, warned that thousands of people in Gaza would be at risk of death in the event of an attack.
“This could lead to the killing of civilians and an incredible blow to the humanitarian operation across the entire strip,” he said.,
The border town is an important entry point for humanitarian aid. Dozens of AI organizations stockpile supplies of food, water, health, hygiene and sanitation items for civilians in the Gaza Strip in southern Gaza City.
WHO is making contingency plans to ensure that health systems remain prepared and can continue to provide care, but these plans will only be a "Band-Aid", said Richard Pepperkorn, representative in WHO's office for the West Bank and Gaza. Briefing explained through video link.
WHO said in a statement that an increase in new displacements will worsen overcrowding, increasing pressure on resources such as food, water and health care.
This will lead to increased disease outbreaks, increased hunger and resulting further loss of life.The Geneva-based health body said only 33 percent of Gaza's 36 hospitals and primary health care centers are partially functional amid repeated attacks and shortages of medical supplies, fuel and staff.
