WHO chief calls on Hamas to release ‘civilian hostages’

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Sunday called on Hamas to release all Israeli “civilian hostages”, while declaring himself “very concerned” about Israeli bombings against “Palestinian civilians” in the Gaza strip.

“Innocent civilians and children are paying the price,” he warned from Manila, at the World Health Summit in Berlin, according to his services.

“The WHO continues to call on Israel to respect its obligations under international law to protect civilians and health infrastructure,” he said.

The war between Israel and Hamas, which has left thousands dead on both sides, was triggered after a bloody and unprecedented attack launched on October 7 by Hamas against Israeli territory.