The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the potential consequences of Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah.

In a statement released on their official platform on Saturday, WHO cautioned that the anticipated incursion into the southern border city of Rafah could result in a significant loss of life, describing it as a potential “bloodbath.”

The organization highlighted that over 1.2 million individuals are currently taking shelter in the area, with many unable to relocate elsewhere. They emphasized that any further displacement would exacerbate existing challenges, including overcrowding, limited access to essential services like food, water, healthcare, and sanitation, and an increased risk of disease outbreaks.

According to WHO, Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure is already severely strained, with only a fraction of hospitals and primary healthcare centres operational due to repeated attacks and shortages of critical medical supplies, fuel, and personnel.

WHO called for an immediate ceasefire and urged for the removal of barriers hindering the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid into and across Gaza to address the pressing needs of the population.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed determination to proceed with the offensive in Rafah, aiming to eliminate remaining Hamas strongholds.