GENEVA 

Israeli airstrikes earlier this week on the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, Gaza's main cancer treatment facility, were "terribly concerning," the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.  

"We cannot emphasize enough the importance of protecting health care in Gaza. The latest reports of air strikes around the main cancer facility in Gaza are terribly concerning," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X.

"Cancer patients are already fragile, and it's imperative to do everything possible to ensure they're receiving the care they need," Tedros underscored, warning: "It's truly a matter of life or death."

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since Oct. 7 have repeatedly targeted hospitals, residences and house of worship such as mosques and churches. Under the Geneva Conventions, attacks on hospitals are strictly prohibited.

Israeli warplanes targeted the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in the Gaza Strip on Monday, inflicting severe damage.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​