SAFA - The healthcare system in the Gaza Strip is nearing total collapse as the Israeli genocidal war continues to destroy medical facilities, target healthcare workers, and impose severe restrictions on the entry of medicines and medical supplies.

Dr. Bassam Zaqout, director of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, has warned that the health sector is under unprecedented strain due to the combined impact of Israeli genocidal war and blockade, as disease and malnutrition continue to spread among the population.

Speaking at the weekly “Pulse of Gaza” forum on Sunday, Zaqout said most hospitals and primary healthcare centers have sustained severe damage. 

He added that many medical professionals, including specialists in rare fields, have been killed, detained, or displaced, losses he described as irreplaceable.

Zaqout noted that Gaza’s healthcare system relies heavily on external funding, while restrictions continue to limit access to essential resources needed to sustain services.

Disease Outbreaks and Growing Health Risks

Hospitals are struggling to operate critical equipment, including dialysis machines, due to restrictions on importing key materials such as sodium bicarbonate, he said. Limitations on laboratory devices and essential medications have left an estimated 70% of Gaza’s population without adequate access to healthcare.

Zaqout warned of increasing signs of disease outbreaks across the territory, attributing them to the collapse of healthcare infrastructure and weakened immunity among residents.

He said around 5,000 cases of chickenpox are being recorded weekly, raising concerns about wider transmission. While typically mild, the disease poses serious risks to pregnant women due to potential complications.

He also reported emerging cases of tuberculosis, describing it as a major concern due to its high transmissibility, particularly in environments with compromised immunity. In addition, Zaqout noted a significant rise in cancer cases over the past two years compared to previous periods.

Widespread Malnutrition and Famine Conditions

Addressing food security, Zaqout said Gaza has experienced one of the most severe famine conditions recorded globally in the past century, according to international assessments. He accused the Israeli occupation of contributing to widespread hunger, describing the situation as a violation of international law.

Although the most acute phase of famine has slightly eased, he said chronic malnutrition remains widespread, with thousands of new cases reported. Rates of anemia have surged from around 20% before the Israeli genocidal war to between 50% and 60% currently.

Zaqout said restrictions on medical supplies reflect the systematic policy affecting the healthcare system. 

He noted that advanced diagnostic tools for detecting heart attacks are restricted, while slower alternatives are allowed, increasing risks to patients.

He also said that while some medications are permitted in larger quantities, key life-saving drugs remain restricted, limiting the effectiveness of treatment.

Restrictions on advanced testing equipment for conditions such as thalassemia have further hindered preventive care, preventing many young people from undergoing premarital screening, he added.

Zaqout warned that these conditions risk entrenching a prolonged health crisis, threatening the lives of Gaza’s population and deepening the humanitarian emergency.