Gaza Herald – Gaza’s healthcare system is collapsing under Israel’s ongoing blockade, with hospitals receiving only 10 percent of essential medical supplies since the announcement of the so-called ceasefire, according to Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, Director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex.
The shortages have already claimed hundreds of lives, with doctors warning of deadly outbreaks due to the lack of medicine, clean water, and sanitation.
Dr. Abu Salmiya revealed that 350,000 Palestinians with chronic illnesses have been left without treatment, while 22,000 patients urgently need to travel abroad for life-saving care, 18,000 of whom have completed all preparations but are trapped by Israel’s closure of border crossings. At least 1,000 patients have died as a direct result of the siege and the continued denial of medical evacuations.
He added that cases of asthma and respiratory infections have surged sharply due to the thick dust and debris from Israel’s bombardment that has blanketed Gaza for months.
The Ministry of Health has warned that the healthcare system has lost 90 percent of its operational capacity, calling the situation “beyond catastrophic.”
Meanwhile, UNRWA’s school health division announced a comprehensive medical screening program for children in central and southern Gaza, aimed at early detection of diseases and ensuring timely vaccinations. The agency emphasized the urgent need for international action to restore Gaza’s crippled health infrastructure and prevent an irreversible humanitarian collapse.
