Gaza hospitals are facing a dire crisis amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) calling for immediate action to preserve life-saving medical services. As the conflict intensifies, only two referral hospitals remain functional in the entire Gaza Strip, equipped to provide advanced surgeries and accommodate large numbers of patients.
One of the hospitals in critical condition is the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The Hamas-run Ministry of Health has reported a scarcity of anesthesia and painkillers, leaving medical practitioners in a desperate situation. Additionally, due to the escalating violence, graves have been dug on the hospital grounds to prepare for potential deaths.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society, responsible for emergency medical services in the occupied Palestinian territory, is struggling to provide aid and support under these difficult circumstances. With the war entering its fourth month, the situation for Palestinians in Gaza has deteriorated significantly. Approximately 90% of the population have been displaced internally, resulting in a severe scarcity of essentials such as food, water, and other crucial supplies. The approaching winter intensifies the challenges faced by thousands of Palestinians who find themselves without adequate shelter or tents.
An alarming consequence of the dire conditions is the increasing risk of starvation and the spread of infectious diseases among the displaced population. Overcrowding and a lack of proper hygiene in shelters contribute to the rapid transmission of these diseases, further endangering lives. The potential loss of lives from famine and infectious diseases rivals the immediate threats posed by bombings and chilling temperatures.
Efforts to bring aid into Gaza are challenged by various obstacles. Although the Palestine Red Crescent Society receives humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing border, the quantity of aid trucks allowed into Gaza is far from sufficient. The current amount does not even meet 10% of the population's needs. Frustration and anger are mounting among the people as they struggle to receive essential relief items, including tents. The number of aid trucks has significantly decreased compared to pre-escalation levels, exacerbating the emergency situation.
In addition to the need for relief items, the collapsing healthcare system demands urgent attention. Most hospitals have been rendered inoperative, and the remaining medical facilities are facing shortages of medical supplies and medicines. With over 63,000 Palestinians injured since the beginning of the conflict, the demand for medical assistance continues to grow.
The safety of the Palestine Red Crescent Society's teams is also a pressing concern. In Khan Younis, where Al-Amal Hospital is located, the teams have been trapped for four days. A curfew has been imposed on the hospital, and the bombardments in the surrounding areas have not ceased. Inside the hospital and the Palestine Red Crescent headquarters, thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter, further jeopardizing the safety of medical personnel and patients.
The escalating Israel-Hamas war has brought Gaza's hospitals to the brink of collapse. Concrete action is urgently required to address the critical shortage of medical supplies, provide adequate aid, and ensure the safety of healthcare providers. Without immediate intervention, the lives of countless Palestinians hang in the balance, subject to the perils of limited healthcare resources, starvation, and infectious diseases.
