The World Health Organisation has renewed its call for a ceasefire in Gaza following two deadly Israeli air strikes on the Nasser Hospital in the southern Strip on Monday.

At least 20 people were killed, including four health workers and five journalists, WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus said in a tweet.

Fifty other people were injured, including critically ill patients who were already receiving care.

“While people in Gaza are being starved, their already limited access to healthcare is being further crippled by repeated attacks,” Mr Ghebreyesus said. “We cannot say it loudly enough: STOP attacks on healthcare. Ceasefire now.”

He said the hospital’s main building, which houses the emergency department, inpatient ward, and surgical unit, was hit.

The strikes also damaged the emergency staircase.

The head of the UN Palestine refugee agency also took to social media in the wake of the news.

“Silencing the last remaining voices reporting about children dying silently and famine with the world’s indifference and inaction is shocking,” commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini said.

He called for compassion to prevail, saying, “Let us undo this manmade famine by opening the gates without restrictions, protecting journalists and humanitarian and health workers.”

The UN recently noted that more than 240 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began nearly two years ago, following deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel.

Roughly 1,200 people were killed and 250 hostages were taken to the enclave, some of whom remain in captivity.

Similarly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the deadly airstrikes and called for a prompt and impartial investigation.

“These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their vital work amid this brutal conflict,” UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that among the reporters killed was female journalist Mariam Abu Dagga, who partnered with the agency in 2024  on a photo essay depicting the dire situation in Gaza.

The secretary-general reiterated that medical personnel and journalists must be able to perform their essential duties without interference, intimidation, or harm, in full accordance with international humanitarian law.

He also renewed his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unfettered humanitarian access across the enclave, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

(NAN)