Gaza's Health Crisis: Hospitals on the Brink
The ongoing conflict in the northern Gaza Strip has led to a catastrophic collapse of the health system, leaving residents without essential medical services. Dr. Marwan Al-Hamas, Director of Field Hospitals at the Ministry of Health, reports that hospitals have been systematically targeted by Israeli forces since October 6, resulting in over 1,300 deaths and thousands of injuries. With the ambulance system also compromised, those in need of urgent care face dire consequences.
Currently, only one surgeon, Dr. Bakr Abu Safiya, remains active in the region, working under siege at the Al Awda Hospital, which is nearly out of service. Other facilities, including the Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals, have become ineffective due to ongoing attacks. Al-Hamas emphasizes that the Israeli strategy appears aimed at depopulating northern Gaza, as hospitals—the 'address of life'—are deliberately targeted, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Challenges in Delivering Medical Aid
Efforts to establish emergency field hospitals are hindered by Israeli restrictions, complicating the delivery of medical supplies and personnel. The only Jordanian field hospital in Gaza City has also been rendered inoperable. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society is attempting to set up a local field hospital, but as of now, there are no functioning field hospitals in Gaza City or northern Gaza.
Dr. Al-Hamas highlights the severe limitations in medical services available, stating, “Anyone who is injured and needs specialized surgery will not find it, and will join the caravan of martyrs.” The lack of essential medicines and specialized medical care poses a significant risk to the population, with many unable to receive necessary treatment for injuries or illnesses.
International Response and the Need for Urgent Action
The situation remains critical, with international organizations like the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders attempting to provide assistance through field hospitals in southern Gaza. However, these facilities are not equipped to handle the overwhelming number of casualties resulting from the ongoing conflict. Dr. Al-Hamas calls for urgent support to secure and protect medical teams, establish advanced field hospitals, and enable the entry of medical supplies into the region.
With approximately 1.8 million residents relying on just a few government hospitals, the health system in Gaza hangs by a thread, facing the imminent risk of total collapse. The international community is urged to act swiftly to address this escalating humanitarian crisis.
