Gaza Health Centers on the Brink of Collapse, Warns WHO

 The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that many health centers in the Gaza Strip are on the verge of collapse due to a severe lack of essential resources. The few centers that have not been targeted by the occupation army are operating under dire conditions, with many lacking the minimum necessary supplies and tools, and experiencing a severe shortage of medicines. Additionally, there is an insufficient number of medical personnel to cope with the large numbers of wounded and sick individuals.

Currently, the number of operational health centers affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip is less than ten out of the 26 centers that were functioning before the onset of Israeli aggression. Meanwhile, the majority of government health centers have ceased operations, with only about 10 out of 68 government health centers still functioning.

Despite the presence of medical crews at field medical points in these areas, they are overwhelmed by the increasing pressures, particularly with the recurrence of massacres that leave dozens wounded daily. The condition of many of the wounded and sick is worsening due to the lack of necessary medical care and appropriate medicines.

Dire Conditions in Gaza's Health System

Dr. Muhammad al-Sayyid, who moves between a health center and three medical points in the city of Deir al-Balah, confirms that the health system in Gaza, whether governmental, affiliated with UNRWA, or other international organizations, “is on the brink of collapse without an independent mechanism for bringing in medical equipment, supplies, and medicines.” He emphasized the need for the entry of supporting medical teams, as was the case before the occupation of the Rafah crossing.

Dr. al-Sayyid told Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed: “The Ministry of Health in Gaza has lists of all the sick and wounded who need intensive periodic care, but lacks the necessary capabilities to care for them as the number of health centers dangerously dwindles. We are often forced to treat the wounded on the ground, especially in emergencies following Israeli bombings. Many injured arrive at tents turned into medical points meant to be temporary, but they remain in use due to health centers repeatedly going out of service and the injured being unable to reach operational centers.”

He continues: “Medical teams face daily psychological and nervous pressure, having also lost family members like other residents of Gaza. Yet, they continue to work despite the lack of tools, equipment, and even sufficient space. Before October 7, the Gaza Strip already needed more hospitals and health centers to handle population growth. Today, we are working under severely limited and suffocating conditions.”

UNRWA's Struggle with Limited Resources

UNRWA receives small quantities of medicines and medical equipment through the Kerem Shalom crossing, which are tightly controlled by Israel. These supplies are insufficient to meet the increasing demand from the growing number of wounded and sick individuals. A source from the agency told Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed: “Working hours have been extended at our health centers in southern and central Gaza, but they still cannot meet the need. One doctor handles numerous wounded and sick patients daily and is also responsible for follow-ups on previously received cases.”