New York (New York): The health crisis in Gaza has escalated into a devastating catastrophe, with approximately 7% of the population either killed or injured since October 2023.
Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative for the West Bank and Gaza, painted a grim picture, revealing that more than 25% of the 105,000 injured civilians face life-altering injuries.
He warned that, at the current rate, it could take anywhere from five to ten years to evacuate all critically ill patients, while more than 12,000 people remain on waiting lists for urgent treatment abroad.
Only 16 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are still partially functional, with a combined capacity of just over 1,800 beds, leaving them woefully inadequate to meet the overwhelming medical needs.
Dr. Peeperkorn pointed out that the health sector is being systematically dismantled, citing severe shortages in medical supplies, equipment, and personnel.
In addition, several hospitals, such as Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza, have been directly targeted in attacks, further complicating the situation.
After a raid in December, Kamal Adwan was left severely damaged, forcing patients to be transferred to the Indonesian Hospital, another facility that is struggling with a lack of resources.
Al-Awda Hospital, the last remaining operational hospital in North Gaza, is also struggling to provide basic care amidst a shortage of medicines and ongoing violence.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the destruction of hospitals as a
“human rights catastrophe” that is unfolding in Gaza under the eyes of the international community.
He detailed how healthcare facilities have been specifically targeted in attacks, with patients and medical staff killed or forcibly removed. Dr.
Tanya Haj-Hassan from Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) noted the dangerous conditions for healthcare workers, who are increasingly being attacked simply for doing their jobs. Since October 2023, more than 1,000 healthcare professionals have lost their lives in Gaza.
Despite the violence, healthcare workers have shown incredible resilience, continuing their mission to save lives despite the risks to their own. Dr. Haj-Hassan described them as dedicated professionals who take their oath to care for patients seriously.
WHO’s Dr. Peeperkorn and Mr. Turk both emphasized the need for more humanitarian aid, quicker evacuations, and greater adherence to international humanitarian law, especially in regard to protecting healthcare facilities.
WHO has verified 654 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza since October 2023, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries.
These attacks not only damage buildings but also leave thousands of people without access to vital care.
Amid this destruction, the health system in Gaza continues to function, with WHO and its partners working tirelessly to maintain services where possible.
The restoration of hospitals like Al-Shifa and Nasser Medical Complex provides a glimmer of hope that recovery is possible, but without a ceasefire and more protection for health services, the future of Gaza’s healthcare system remains bleak.
