Gaza Health Crisis: WHO Warns of System Collapse Amid Israeli Offensive

Gaza Health Crisis: WHO Warns of System Collapse

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning, stating that Gaza's healthcare system is on the brink of collapse due to the ongoing Israeli offensive and evacuation orders. Hospitals are struggling to function with limited resources and restricted access.

Hospitals Under Siege

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the WHO, highlighted the critical situation of several hospitals, including the Indonesian, Kamal Adwan, and al-Awda hospitals, which are located within or near evacuation zones. The Indonesian hospital is nearly inaccessible due to the presence of Israeli forces, and Kamal Adwan is non-operational because of nearby hostilities. Al-Awda hospital remains functional but is effectively under siege, unable to receive new patients or allow staff to leave.

Damaged Medical Facilities

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports that numerous medical facilities across Gaza have been damaged or forced to shut down due to Israeli operations. The charity has accused Israeli authorities of deliberately crippling Gaza's healthcare system. The IDF maintains it targets terror infrastructure and not hospitals, alleging Hamas's misuse of medical facilities.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The UN has reported the inability to distribute incoming aid. Shortages of water, food, and fuel are rampant. Dr. Rik Peeperkorn from the WHO described the dire situation in Gaza after recently returning and witnessing the attacks and shortages.

Khan Younis Hospitals Affected

In Khan Younis, the European hospital is out of service since mid-May after Israeli strikes. Nasser hospital, also in Khan Younis, has been affected by strikes, further diminishing available medical resources. Critical supplies were destroyed, and the facility faces potential evacuation, which Dr. Victoria Rose warned would cause the imminent death of hundreds of patients.

Escalation of Conflict

These events follow Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which led to the current military campaign. The situation continues to worsen, with tens of thousands of people being newly displaced and essential medical facilities stretched to their absolute limit.