Gaza’s unfolding health catastrophe |
THE past year has witnessed an unprecedented deterioration in health conditions in Gaza, driven by prolonged conflict, widespread infrastructure destruction and severe restrictions on humanitarian access.
The health system has been pushed to the brink of collapse, with compounding challenges affecting all dimensions of public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, women and the elderly. One of the most critical challenges has been the collapse of the healthcare system. A large proportion of hospitals and health facilities have been damaged or rendered non-functional due to ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that only a limited number of hospitals remain partially operational, while others struggle with shortages of electricity, fuel, essential medicines and medical supplies. Overcrowding in functioning hospitals has become routine, with facilities handling mass casualty incidents daily and patients often treated in corridors or without adequate equipment.
Another major concern is the acute shortage of healthcare workers and resources. Many healthcare professionals have been killed, injured or displaced, further weakening service delivery. The remaining workforce operates under extreme stress, often without adequate supplies such as antibiotics, oxygen and surgical equipment. This shortage severely limits the ability to provide life-saving care, particularly for trauma cases, maternal health and........