After more than eight months of relentless attacks on Gaza, the healthcare system in the territory is on the brink of collapse. The World Health Organization reported 464 Israeli attacks on Gaza’s healthcare facilities, affecting 101 health centers since October 7. With the near-total blockade imposed by Israel, critical medical supplies and parts for hospital generators are not getting through, posing a severe threat to the remaining hospitals. Dr. James Smith, an emergency medical doctor who recently returned from Gaza, described the situation as catastrophic, with no fully functional hospitals and a glaring lack of capacity to meet the overwhelming medical needs of the population.
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In a recent statement, Gaza’s Health Ministry warned that hospitals could shut down due to a lack of essential resources. Over 37,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in this ongoing conflict, with thousands more wounded or missing. The dire humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by hunger, severe food shortages affecting nine out of 10 children, lack of clean water, and unsanitary conditions leading to outbreaks of diseases like cholera. Amidst all this, healthcare workers in Gaza are facing immense challenges, with some even giving up their lives while serving their patients.