PODAR INTERNATIONAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS

(PIMUN)

World Health Organization (WHO) Study guide

Agenda: Examining WHO’s role in emergency response the State

of Health Care, and humanitarian aid with emphasis on the
Israel-Palestine conflict

Chair: Rutuja Lokhande

Vice Chair: Saamit Upadhye
Letter From the Chairs
Dear Delegates,

As the PIMUN conference begins, we extend a warm welcome to each of you on

this remarkable journey of diplomacy, collaboration, and negotiation. We are
thrilled to have you here, coming together to address some of the world’s most
urgent and complex issues.

The organizing committee has dedicated countless hours to crafting a program

designed to inspire and challenge you. We hope you embrace this opportunity to
learn from one another and from the rich experiences of diplomats, activists,
and experts who have paved the way before you.

Approach each discussion with an open mind, recognizing that every delegate
brings a unique perspective to the table. We encourage you to be bold, think
critically, and appreciate the intricate nature of the topics at hand. The issues we
will deliberate on are both crucial and sensitive, requiring your thoughtful
engagement and dedication.

You are the leaders of tomorrow, and this conference is your platform to make a
meaningful impact. Dive deep into your research, craft the best resolutions
possible, and remember to enjoy the process along the way.

We eagerly anticipate the innovative solutions and insightful contributions you

will bring to the table. Best of luck as you embark on this impactful journey.

Sincerely,
Rutuja Lokhande, Saamit Upadhye
 Introduction to the Committee

The World Health Organization (WHO) Committee is key in developing global health
policies and managing health emergencies. It works to coordinate international
efforts on major health issues, including disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises.
The committee's goal is to make sure that health interventions are both effective and
fair, addressing the needs of people around the world.
In this session, the WHO Committee will address emergency response and
humanitarian aid, with a specific emphasis on the Israel-Palestine conflict. This
agenda item involves tackling the complex challenges of delivering aid in a region
plagued by ongoing conflict. The committee will examine strategies for improving
access to humanitarian assistance, enhancing coordination among international and
local actors, and addressing the immediate and long-term health needs of affected
communities.
Your engagement in these discussions is vital for developing actionable solutions and
policies that can effectively address the humanitarian crisis in this context. By
collaborating and contributing your insights, you will help shape the future of
international health responses and humanitarian aid, making a tangible difference in
the lives of those in need.

Role of the WHO and Why It Was Established

The WHO was established on April 7, 1948, and formally began its work on
September 1, 1948. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, it is tasked with
promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable. WHO's
primary goal is to ensure that all people attain the highest possible level of health. Its
establishment was driven by the recognition that health is a fundamental human
right and that global health requires international cooperation and coordination.
The World Health Organisation was established following World War II, a time when
the world faced significant health-related issues such as widespread diseases and
inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The war stressed the importance of a global
organization committed to dealing with health issues and preventing future medical
disasters. The WHO was set up to coordinate worldwide efforts, establish global
health standards, and provide technical help to countries in need.
 WHO's Role in Conflict-Affected Regions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has a vital role in providing humanitarian
and healthcare assistance, particularly in times of emergencies and health
emergencies. From immediate response to long-term recovery, WHO is extensively
engaged in meeting the pressing health needs of affected populations while also
working on reinforcing health systems for future resilience.
In the immediate aftermath of a disaster or conflict, WHO quickly mobilizes its
resources to offer urgent medical aid. This involves sending rapid response teams,
delivering essential medicines and medical supplies, and establishing emergency
health operations centers. The Health Emergencies Programme of WHO is
specifically designed for swift action during crises, making sure that life-saving
interventions are efficiently delivered.
The organization collaborates with local governments, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), and other international agencies to create a coherent and
effective response, avoiding duplication and ensuring timely delivery of aid to those
in need.
Coordinating efforts is a critical aspect of WHO's role. The organization serves as a
central point for information and collaboration, bringing together various
stakeholders to streamline efforts. Through its Health Cluster system, WHO partners
with other organizations to assess needs, plan interventions, and monitor the impact
of aid. This central leadership is particularly essential in complex emergencies, where
multiple actors are involved, and resources must be effectively managed to maximize
their impact.
Humanitarian crises often worsen existing health issues and introduce new ones.
WHO tackles these challenges with specific interventions, managing outbreaks of
infectious diseases, providing mental health support, and ensuring maternal and
child health services. The organization also emphasizes preventing and controlling
non-communicable diseases, which, though less visible during emergencies, remain
significant causes of illness and death. By addressing a wide range of health issues,
WHO helps stabilize communities and lays the groundwork for recovery.
Apart from immediate response, WHO invests in enhancing the resilience of health
systems to better cope with future emergencies. This includes training healthcare
workers, bolstering health infrastructure, and improving disease surveillance
systems. By enhancing local capacities, WHO ensures that countries are better
prepared to independently manage health crises, contributing to sustainable
development and long-term health security.
 Under its Constitution, the WHO may:
● Direct and coordinate international health work through collaboration with
countries and other partners.
● Establish and collaborate effectively with various entities, including the United
Nations, governmental health administrations, and other specialized agencies.
● Assist governments in strengthening health services and building an adequate
public health infrastructure.
● Provide appropriate technical assistance and emergency aid to affected
populations during health emergencies.
● Stimulate and advance work on preventing and controlling diseases such as
communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and other health threats.
● Promote the improvement of nutrition, housing, sanitation, recreation,
economic or working conditions, and other aspects of environmental hygiene.
● Develop and establish international health standards for pharmaceuticals, food,
and other products impacting health.
● Conduct research and provide information, counsel, and assistance in the field
of health.
● Promote cooperation among scientific and professional groups that contribute
to the advancement of health.
● Set international health guidelines and standards and help countries address
public health issues.
● Mobilize resources and coordinate global efforts to address major health
challenges and emergencies.

Introduction To Agenda
This agenda seeks to critically assess the effectiveness and challenges of global
emergency response, health care provision, and humanitarian aid. Focusing on recent
evidence and case studies, we will explore how interventions and policies shape
health outcomes during crises, especially in conflict zones.
Central to our discussion is the Israel-Palestine conflict, a protracted situation with
profound implications for health care and humanitarian aid. The conflict has led to
numerous health challenges, including injuries, mental health issues, and significant
disruptions in essential health services. By analyzing the response in this region, we
aim to understand the complexities and barriers faced in delivering effective health
care amid ongoing violence and instability.
Beyond the specific case of the conflict, this agenda will examine the broader
landscape of healthcare and humanitarian aid. Key areas of focus will include
resource allocation, international collaboration, and the role of non-governmental
organizations. Through a comprehensive analysis of these factors, we aim to identify
successes and areas needing improvement, ultimately contributing to developing
more effective and resilient healthcare systems in crisis-affected regions.

Current Situation
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict experienced a significant escalation on October 7,
2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented and highly coordinated series of
attacks on Israeli territory. This day marked one of the most severe outbreaks of
violence in the region in recent years, resulting in widespread casualties and a sharp
military response from Israel.

October 7 Attacks by Hamas

On the morning of October 7, 2023, Hamas, the Islamist militant group that governs
the Gaza Strip, executed a multi-faceted offensive against Israel. This assault involved
a combination of rocket barrages, ground incursions, and the use of drones. The
initial wave of rockets, estimated to be in the hundreds, targeted several Israeli cities,
including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, causing significant damage and resulting in
numerous civilian casualties.
Following the rocket attacks, Hamas militants breached the Israeli border at multiple
points, employing tunnels and other clandestine methods to infiltrate Israeli
territory. These incursions led to intense firefights between the militants and Israeli
Defense Forces (IDF) troops. The militants targeted military outposts and civilian
settlements, aiming to cause maximum disruption and panic. In the first few hours
alone, dozens of Israeli soldiers and civilians were killed or injured, marking the
highest death toll in a single day since the 2014 Gaza war.

Israeli Military Response

In retaliation for the October 7 attacks, Israel launched a massive military operation
named "Operation Iron Wall," aimed at neutralizing Hamas' capabilities and
restoring security to its citizens. The IDF conducted extensive airstrikes across the
Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas command centers, weapons depots, and tunnel
networks. Residential areas suspected of harboring militants were also struck, leading
to a high number of civilian casualties.
The Israeli government declared a state of emergency, mobilizing reservists, and
bolstering defenses in border areas. The IDF's ground operations included incursions
into Gaza to destroy Hamas' infrastructure and capture key operatives. The operation
led to fierce urban warfare, with significant casualties on both sides. Over the
subsequent weeks, the conflict resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, primarily
among Palestinians in Gaza due to the dense population and the extensive nature of
the airstrikes.

Ongoing Attacks and Current State

The conflict has not abated since the initial outbreak on October 7. Both sides have
continued to engage in hostilities, with periodic rocket attacks from Gaza into Israeli
territory and continued airstrikes by Israel on Gaza. These ongoing attacks have
exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leading to further displacement,
destruction of infrastructure, and significant civilian casualties.
The IDF has maintained a heightened state of alert, responding to rocket fire with
targeted strikes aimed at Hamas and other militant groups. The Israeli government's
strategy includes continued efforts to dismantle the operational capabilities of these
groups while attempting to minimize civilian harm. Despite these efforts, the densely
populated nature of Gaza makes it challenging to avoid civilian casualties and further
complicates the humanitarian situation.

Health Impacts
The ongoing conflict has had severe repercussions on public health in the region. In
Gaza, the intense bombardment and blockade have crippled the healthcare system.
Hospitals are operating under extreme conditions, with limited supplies and frequent
power outages affecting their ability to provide adequate care. The influx of wounded
from airstrikes and ground combat has overwhelmed the already strained medical
facilities, leading to a critical shortage of medical supplies, personnel, and resources.
Infectious disease outbreaks are a growing concern due to overcrowded shelters and
inadequate sanitation, further compounding the health crisis.
In Israel, the constant threat of rocket attacks has led to psychological stress and
trauma among the civilian population. The frequent activation of air raid sirens has
disrupted daily life, forcing residents to seek shelter repeatedly, which has
contributed to widespread anxiety and mental health issues. The Israeli healthcare
system is also under strain, dealing with both physical injuries from rocket attacks
and the psychological toll on the population.
International Response
The international community has responded with urgent calls for de-escalation and a
return to peace talks. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has reaffirmed its
support for Israel's right to self-defense while urging restraint to avoid further civilian
casualties. European Union leaders have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the
need for humanitarian access to Gaza and the protection of civilians on both sides.
The United Nations Security Council has convened multiple emergency sessions to
address the crisis, though consensus on a unified approach has been challenging due
to differing geopolitical interests. Humanitarian agencies have launched appeals for
funding to support relief efforts, highlighting the immediate need for medical
supplies, food, and shelter for those affected by the conflict.

Impact of the Conflict on the Region’s Healthcare

The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict has profoundly affected the region's health and
humanitarian conditions. The widespread violence and instability have led to severe
consequences for the healthcare infrastructure, exacerbating the suffering of the
affected populations. This situation has been characterized by the destruction of
medical facilities, a critical shortage of medical supplies, the displacement of
populations, and the overall degradation of public health and safety

Destruction of Healthcare Infrastructure and Shortage of

Medical Supplies
The conflict has resulted in the widespread destruction of hospitals, clinics, and other
healthcare facilities, severely compromising the delivery of essential medical services.
In Gaza, the healthcare system was already fragile due to ongoing blockades and
previous conflicts. The current situation has further strained this system, making it
nearly impossible to provide adequate care for the population. Emergency care,
chronic disease management, and preventive services have been severely hampered,
leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates among the affected populations.
Healthcare professionals are also negatively impacted given that they work in a
dangerous environment. Because of the violence that persists in the reigon and the
damage done to their workplaces, many are unable to perform to carry out their
duties effectively. The total number of healthcare experts in the area has significantly
decreased as a result of the risk to their safety, escalating the region's healthcare
crisis. Not only have many people lost access to essential healthcare due to
infrastructure devastation, but it has also made it risky for those trying to offer
medical care.
The state of health has become worse because of the severe lack of medical supplies in the
area. Essential drugs, medical supplies, and other items have been severely restricted from
accessing Palestine due to blockades and the ongoing fighting. The ability to manage
catastrophic injuries, treat chronic illnesses, and carry out necessary public health activities
like immunization campaigns has been hampered by this lack. Many people are now more
susceptible to preventable ailments and their pre-existing medical ailments have been made
worse by the shortage of supplies.

The absence of medical professionals with training contributes to the current

scenario. The dangerous circumstances have caused many medical professionals and
healthcare providers to flee the area, leaving an overburdened and underfunded
healthcare system in their place. Those who stay are frequently compelled to labor in
harsh environments with little resources and assistance. As a result, the quality of
care that is being offered has decreased, placing a further burden on the already
overburdened healthcare system.

Displacement and Its Health Impacts

Numerous individuals in the area have been displaced by the violence, creating
overcrowded refugee camps and informal settlements. The lack of access to clean
water, sanitary facilities, and medical care makes these conditions ideal for the
spread of infectious diseases. Certain groups of the population have also grown more
vulnerable as a result of the displacement, notably children, the elderly, and people
with chronic illnesses, as they are more prone to disease and harm in such insecure
situations.
The psychological effects of displacement are severe. A lot of people experience stress,
anxiety, and depression as a result of losing their homes, losing loved ones, and the
constant violence. These problems are made worse by a lack of mental health
resources, which deprives many people of the support that they require to deal with
the psychological damage caused due to the fighting. The region's long-term
consequences on mental health are significant, as many people will probably continue
to experience the aftereffects of stress and trauma for years to come.

Maternal and Child Health

The health of mothers and children has suffered particularly badly as a result of
the fighting. It has become more challenging for expectant mothers to get the
essential prenatal and postnatal treatment due to the destruction of healthcare
facilities and the scarcity of medical supplies. As a result, there are now more
women and babies dying during childbirth and experiencing problems. The
situation is particularly bad in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict and
infrastructure destruction prevent many women from accessing hospitals or
clinics.
Children are at significant risk as a result of interrupted immunisation
campaigns and insufficient access to basic healthcare services. Many children
suffer from malnutrition, respiratory infections, and other preventable diseases,
which are made worse by inadequate living conditions in overcrowded camps.
The region's youngsters suffer additional obstacles due to a lack of schooling
possibilities and social assistance, which has a severe influence on their
development and health.
General Healthcare Crisis
The overall healthcare situation in the region has deteriorated rapidly due to the
conflict. The destruction of infrastructure, the shortage of medical supplies and
personnel, and the displacement of populations have all contributed to a
healthcare crisis that shows no signs of abating. The public health system is
overwhelmed, and the ability to respond to emergencies and provide basic
healthcare services has been severely compromised.
Patients suffering from disorders including but not limited to, diabetes,
hypertension, and cancer are unable to receive the required care and drugs due
to disruptions in the management of chronic diseases. As a result, there has
been a notable rise in the number of deaths from these illnesses and a fall in
population health as a whole. The healthcare system is being further burdened
by the difficulty in addressing the persistent public health issues due to a lack of
resources and assistance.
Impact on Mental Health
The ongoing conflict affects people of all demographics and has significant
effects on mental health. The loss of homes, means of subsistence, and loved
ones causes profound psychological pain for those who are displaced by the
conflict. This trauma is made worse by the ongoing danger of violence and
shows up as anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These
problems are made worse by the lack of mental health care in conflict areas,
which deprives many people of vital assistance. Children are especially at risk
because they experience emotional instability and disrupted schooling, both of
which can have long-term effects on their development.
 Suggested Moderated Caucus topics
● Discuss strategies for better coordination among international
and local health organizations in Gaza and the West Bank.
● Explore ways to ensure uninterrupted access to medical
supplies and the safety of health workers in conflict zones.
● Discuss strategies to assess and address the mental health needs
of populations in conflict-affected regions, focusing on
integrating mental health services into existing healthcare
systems and improving access to psychological support.
● Examine the humanitarian impact of blockades and border
closures on health services and aid delivery.
● Discuss measures to protect healthcare workers and facilities
from being targeted during conflicts.
● Discuss strategies to address long-term health needs and build
resilient health systems in conflict-affected areas.

Helpful Links and References

● WHO
● UNISPAL
● EMRO
● WHO-oPt
● CFR
● REUTERS
● Newman, David; Peters, Joel. Routledge Handbook on the
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
● Israel-Hamas-Conflict