In the occupied Palestinian territory, violence against healthcare has become a serious concern. Between October 7, 2023, and December 30, 2025, there were at least 3,057 reported incidents affecting healthcare access. Alarmingly, more than 95% of these incidents were attributed to Israeli forces.
In Gaza alone, there were 2,231 incidents. Medical facilities, including children’s hospitals and clinics, faced damage 435 times. Tragically, 746 health workers lost their lives, and 361 were detained. The situation was similarly grim in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where 847 attacks occurred. Here, 12 health workers were killed, and emergency medical services were blocked from helping those in need over 400 times.
A few recent incidents highlight the ongoing crisis. On January 21, 2026, an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle near the American Hospital in Gaza City, resulting in casualties. Just a day later, six Palestinian aid organizations faced U.S. sanctions, accused of supporting Hamas. These groups offer vital services like medical care and food distribution, making the sanctions particularly devastating for the communities they serve.
On January 24, something shocking occurred when an Israeli drone struck near Kamal Adwan Hospital, killing two children. Three days later, the UNRWA clinic in Jabalia Refugee Camp was shelled, injuring several people, including a pregnant woman.
The health care crisis isn’t just about numbers. It’s about human lives and stories. Healthcare professionals and organizations in the region have reported severe emotional tolls due to their inability to provide necessary care under such conditions. As Dr. Miriam Al-Huda, a local physician, stated, “The trauma we witness every day weighs heavily on us. We cannot turn our backs on those who need us, even when it’s dangerous.”
User reactions on social media reflect a growing outrage about the attacks on healthcare facilities. Many express solidarity with healthcare workers and call for international attention to protect these essential services.
The historical context is also important. Healthcare systems in regions of conflict often bear the brunt of violence, as seen in past conflicts like those in Syria and Yemen. International humanitarian laws dictate the protection of healthcare in wartime, yet these laws are frequently ignored.
Understanding the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory requires recognizing the layers of complexity involved. The human cost of obstructed healthcare is profound, affecting not just the individuals who suffer injuries or illness but the entire community.
Reports like those from Insecurity Insight provide crucial data but cannot capture the human experience. They highlight the urgent need for international advocacy to safeguard healthcare in conflict zones.
To explore more about healthcare in conflict areas, you can read the findings from the World Health Organization.
