Gaza Health System Nears Collapse Amid Surge of Attacks

2025-05-23 transformation

Gaza, Friday, 23 May 2025.
WHO reports only 19 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza remain operational due to 28 attacks on medical facilities in a single week, underscoring an urgent need for increased humanitarian aid.

Collapse of Healthcare System Amidst Conflict

The healthcare system in Gaza is teetering on the brink of collapse due to the ongoing conflict that has intensified since October 2023. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), recent hostilities have left only 19 out of the 36 hospitals operational in the region. The heavy toll on healthcare facilities, with 28 attacks reported in a single week, highlights the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. With hospitals such as Kamal Adwan and Indonesia suspending services due to threats, the critical gaps in medical support continue to widen [1].

Humanitarian Crisis and Health Access

The crisis in Gaza is compounded by acute shortages of essential resources, including food, water, and medical supplies. The International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies find themselves nearly unable to sustain operations with relief supplies exhausting after more than 11 weeks of aid blockage [2][3]. Meanwhile, 90% of Gaza’s population has been compelled to flee their homes, exacerbating the challenges faced by the healthcare system now offering merely basic services due to severe staff and supply shortages [2].

Impact on Health Services and Population

The systemic destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure not only deprives the population of critical services but also increases the risk of infectious diseases such as diarrhea and hepatitis, especially among children living in overcrowded conditions. Hospitals, including those with specialized services such as neurosurgery and cardiac care, are forced to close or significantly reduce their capacity due to ongoing attacks and resource constraints [4]. The WHO has vocally called for unimpeded humanitarian access and a ceasefire to alleviate these pressing needs [1].

Call for International Intervention

In light of the heightened humanitarian needs, international organizations are urging immediate intervention. Calls for a substantial increase in aid and the protection of medical personnel and facilities emphasize the urgency of the situation. As the healthcare system struggles to cope with the unprecedented load, such interventions are deemed crucial to prevent further devastation and loss of life. The WHO and other organizations are actively pushing for a humanitarian corridor to ensure that essential supplies reach those who desperately need them [3][5][6].

Bronnen

healthcare crisis Gaza conflict