Hospitals in Gaza are facing an unprecedented crisis as a severe blood shortage combines with the collapse of the healthcare system, driven by months of Israeli bombardment and blockade. According to Khalil Al-Daqran, spokesperson for Gaza’s Ministry of Health, residents are unable to donate blood due to widespread malnutrition and anaemia, as famine grips the population. He described the current situation as “Stage 5”—the most critical level of malnutrition defined by the World Health Organization—warning that vital functions in many civilians are already beginning to fail.

Al-Daqran revealed that 85% of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has been destroyed, leaving hospitals unable to cope with the daily influx of critically injured patients. The sharp rise in casualties, including hundreds killed within the past 36 hours alone, reflects the scale of destruction caused by ongoing Israeli strikes. He stressed that the current health disaster goes "beyond genocide", as hospitals now offer only minimal emergency care due to lack of medical staff, supplies, and water.

Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, Director-General of the Ministry of Health, accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting hospitals and using banned weaponry. He warned of a spike in birth defects, calling for an urgent international investigation. As Gaza’s health system collapses under the weight of war and famine, Palestinians are left to endure a crisis that has no precedent and—so far—no end in sight.