The health crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with the Ministry of Health reporting that approximately 350,000 individuals are battling chronic diseases under dire circumstances. The blockade imposed by the Israeli occupation continues to deprive these patients of essential medical services, including access to life-saving medications and functional healthcare facilities, resulting in preventable deaths.

The Ministry highlights that the situation has worsened dramatically, with medicine stocks decreasing by 75%, and 80% of life-saving drugs completely depleted. Cancer patients are particularly affected, with around 12,500 individuals—2,500 of whom are children—unable to access necessary treatments due to the depletion of 90% of cancer-specific medications.

The relentless targeting of healthcare infrastructure has also had devastating consequences. Out of 90 health centers in the Gaza Strip, 82 have been destroyed, while 72 hospitals have been rendered inoperative. The Ministry reports that even basic medical testing for chronic disease patients is severely limited due to a lack of laboratory supplies.

In northern Gaza, where aggression has been concentrated, the plight of chronic disease patients is especially acute. The destruction of eight out of 14 primary care centers specializing in chronic illness management has crippled healthcare services, leading to a surge in complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure.

Malnutrition, a consequence of starvation policies imposed by the blockade, has further compounded the suffering. The lack of adequate nutrition not only exacerbates chronic illnesses but also weakens patients’ ability to withstand the aggressive conditions of life under siege.

This health catastrophe calls for immediate international intervention to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s vulnerable population and to hold accountable those responsible for the systemic destruction of healthcare services.