The Ministry of Health in Gaza appealed for supporting the medical system during Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

"The state of emergency in the Gaza Strip and increasing Israeli attacks have resulted in the killing of hundreds of Palestinian citizens, including children, women, and the elderly, in addition to hundreds of wounded," said Dr. Abdul Latif Hajj, Director-General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Health.

"Since the beginning of the attacks on May 11, a large number of homes have been destroyed. Twenty-two health facilities suffered partial or complete damage as a result of the continuous Israeli bombardment. The targeting of health care professionals and killing a number of them, has added additional strain to the provision of patient services," Hajj added.

"Following the above-mentioned facts, the Ministry of Health is concerned about the humanitarian situation and the health conditions of the population in Gaza. This situation imposes additional pressure on the health system and prevents it from fulfilling its obligations towards citizens, especially during the spread of COVID-19 in the Gaza Strip," he stressed.

Meanwhile, the ministry noted that the Israeli forces targeted densely populated residential areas, displacing families to shelters. These overcrowded shelters are now a dangerous environment for the rapid spread of COVID-19, which led to the spreading of the third wave, with an infection rate of 30% of the total samples examined, 133 COVID-19 cases are currently receiving treatment inside hospitals, and there are 101 critical patients in ICU.

"The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip appeals to all friends of human rights and the Palestinian people in the world -  whether governments or charitable and humanitarian institutions - to respond urgently, and to take effective and urgent steps to save the health situation. The health sector needs an estimated $46.6 million USD to be able to continue to provide the necessary services by the ministry."