Gaza City – The Gaza Health Ministry has issued a dire warning about a catastrophic healthcare situation unfolding in the region, as medical supplies dwindle to critically low levels amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes and a stringent blockade. The ministry’s statement on April 25, 2025, highlights the severe strain on medical facilities already struggling to cope with a surge in casualties.
Escalating Casualties and Renewed Conflict
Since Israel broke the ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, 2025, the situation in Gaza has rapidly deteriorated. Al Jazeera reports nearly 2,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 5,200 injured in the renewed conflict. Recent strikes have resulted in a particularly high number of casualties. More than 60 people have been killed since early Thursday, April 24, 2025. At least 20 Palestinians, including three children, were killed in a single strike on a tent shelter near Nuseirat. An additional strike on a busy market in Jabalia, northern Gaza, resulted in the deaths of at least three people, while another attack in the same area claimed the lives of 12 members of the same family.
Impact of the Ongoing Blockade
The ongoing Israeli blockade, which has been in place for over seven weeks, has exacerbated the crisis. The blockade prevents the entry of essential supplies, including food, fuel, water, and critical medical aid. No humanitarian assistance has been allowed into Gaza during this period, leading to rapidly depleting resources and leaving the healthcare system on the brink of collapse.
Controversial Statements and Concerns
The situation is further complicated by controversial statements from Israeli officials. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right former National Security Minister, claimed that some United States Republican Party legislators support his stance on bombing “food and aid depots” in Gaza. These remarks have sparked widespread condemnation, raising concerns about the deliberate targeting of humanitarian infrastructure.
Urgent Call for International Intervention
The Gaza Health Ministry’s alarm underscores the urgent need for international intervention to alleviate the suffering of civilians. Without immediate access to medical supplies and humanitarian aid, the consequences for Gaza’s population could be catastrophic.