As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, negotiators are working tirelessly to secure a six-week pause in fighting. However, for many on the ground, this relief may come too late. The situation in Gaza is dire, with hundreds of thousands of people left homeless, forced to rely on unconventional food sources such as grass, and drinking polluted water. The healthcare system is also collapsing under the strain, with Doctors Without Borders recently gaining access to Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest medical facility, for the first time since November. Their assessment reveals a hospital that is barely functional.
Al-Shifa Hospital, which shelters approximately 50,000 people, lacks the necessary resources to effectively treat the continuously arriving wounded. There is a severe shortage of medical supplies, limited electricity to monitor vital signs, and operating rooms that are barely functioning. The situation is dire, with doctors and medical staff doing their best with the meager resources available. The hospital is a grim reflection of the overall state of the healthcare system in Gaza.
Adding to the challenges faced by medical facilities is the halt in funding from several countries, including the United States, for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid to Gaza. This funding pause is a result of allegations made by Israel, which appear to be credible, implicating 13 UNRWA staffers in an attack that took place on October 7. This interruption in funding raises concerns about the future operations of UNRWA and its partner agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO). The consequences of reduced capacity within the United Nations would be catastrophic and directly impact the suffering of the people in Gaza.
While the WHO and other nonprofit organizations are working tirelessly to provide assistance, it is impossible for them to fill the void left by the funding pause and the ongoing conflict. The need for a ceasefire is becoming increasingly urgent to ensure the safe and effective delivery of aid to those who need it most throughout Gaza.
Navigating the complex dynamics in Gaza is a challenge for nonprofits, as the Ministry of Health is under the control of the local Hamas authority. Nonprofits must carefully vet their local vendors and collaborators to ensure compliance with humanitarian principles. This includes refusing to work in hospitals that have been militarized or used as launching sites for attacks. The sanctity of medical facilities must be protected, providing a safe haven for those seeking medical assistance.
In light of the relentless bombardments and insecurity surrounding hospitals, a ceasefire is essential. It is imperative to maintain humanitarian assistance and protect the medical spaces that provide vital care to the people of Gaza. The international community must come together and prioritize the immediate cessation of hostilities for the sake of the vulnerable population in Gaza.
