Health Care Crisis in Gaza: WHO Alerts on Deteriorating Conditions Amid Escalating Conflict

Israel’s ongoing military actions are putting immense strain on Gaza’s already fragile health system. With the situation worsening, many people are being displaced and essential resources like food, water, and medical supplies are in short supply.

Recently, four key hospitals in Gaza—Kamal Adwan, Indonesia, Hamad for Rehabilitation, and European Gaza Hospital—had to halt services due to their locations near conflict zones. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 28 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza just last week. Since October 2023, they have recorded a staggering 697 such attacks.

Out of 36 hospitals in Gaza, only 19 are still operational. Many of these are struggling with severe shortages of supplies and health workers. Patients are facing dire conditions, with at least 94% of hospitals damaged or destroyed. Of the remaining ones, just a handful can offer comprehensive care, while the rest provide only basic emergency services.

Recent intensifications in fighting and new evacuation orders threaten to close more health facilities. This includes hospitals and medical centers located within declared evacuation zones. Access to health care has become increasingly limited, particularly in North Gaza, where Al-Awda Hospital is barely functioning. Attacks on the hospital have injured staff and damaged essential infrastructure.

In Southern Gaza, Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Aqsa hospitals are overloaded with patients due to a new wave of injuries. Meanwhile, the European Gaza Hospital, critical for specialized services, remains inactive after suffering an attack earlier in May.

Currently, there are only about 2000 hospital beds available for over 2 million people in Gaza. This is grossly inadequate. Some beds are in imminent danger of being lost due to their proximity to conflict zones.

Continued hostilities complicate patients’ access to care and hinder healthcare workers from providing necessary treatments. Efforts by the WHO and other organizations to support hospitals are continually thwarted by the violence and instability.

Despite these challenges, healthcare workers, including international emergency teams, remain committed to delivering urgent care. The WHO praises their bravery during these dire circumstances.

The organization emphasizes the need for the protection of healthcare facilities. Hospitals should never be targets, and aid must be allowed into Gaza without restrictions. The UN and its partners have a plan for delivering aid effectively, and this must be enabled to continue. The WHO is calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to protect lives and ensure access to essential healthcare services.

For more details, visit the World Health Organization’s official site: WHO.

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Food, Health Care, Hospital, Primary Care