The health situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Yousef Abu al-Rish, warning that the humanitarian crisis is catastrophic. In a recent meeting with humanitarian officials, Dr. Abu al-Rish highlighted that 59% of essential medicines and 37% of medical supplies are completely depleted.

The closure of border crossings has exacerbated the health conditions for countless patients in urgent need of treatment outside Gaza. Currently, around 13,000 individuals require immediate exit for specialised medical care, further stressing an already overwhelmed healthcare system.

The ongoing blockade on food supplies poses an additional threat to food security, increasing the risk of malnutrition and related fatalities among children. Dr. Abu al-Rish reported that during the recent conflict, 52 children lost their lives due to malnutrition, a number that is likely to rise without access to adequate food supplies.

Gaza’s hospitals are in desperate need of oxygen supplies to maintain critical care units, relying heavily on power generators that face imminent shutdown due to a lack of fuel and necessary parts. Emergency medical interventions are becoming increasingly difficult due to shortages of diagnostic equipment.

Dr. Abu al-Rish condemned the targeting of ambulance crews and humanitarian workers, stating that such actions severely hinder the evacuation and treatment of the wounded. Compounding these challenges, the collapse of water infrastructure has led to a rise in public health risks, including diarrhoea and skin diseases.

Tragically, he reported that 274 infants were born and subsequently died during the conflict, and 16 out of 52 primary healthcare centres are now completely non-operational. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with urgent calls for international assistance to prevent further loss of life and suffering.