The United Nations has expressed deep alarm over the escalating healthcare crisis in Gaza, particularly following a recent strike on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital that has further crippled the region’s already fragile medical infrastructure. The UN Secretary-General issued a statement emphasizing the devastating impact on the hospital’s ability to provide care, exacerbating an already dire situation of child malnutrition and limited access to essential medical services.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 51,000 Palestinians have been confirmed dead and 116,343 wounded since the start of Israeli aggression in October 2023. The Government Media Office has updated the death toll to over 61,700, presuming thousands missing under rubble are dead. The strike on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital has significantly reduced the availability of critical care, leaving vulnerable populations, especially children, at greater risk.
UNRWA reports that supplies have run out, and Gaza faces a renewed risk of famine. The healthcare system’s collapse is not only due to the ongoing conflict but also a result of restricted access to medical supplies and the targeting of medical facilities. The EU announced a new three-year financial support package for the Palestinians worth US$1.8 billion, in an effort to boost the Palestinian Authority.
Efforts to reach a ceasefire continue, with Hamas reviewing a new proposal from Israel but rejecting demands to disarm. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have launched raids into the West Bank, and tensions remain high as Palestinians flee Rafah amidst continued destruction. The international community is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the restoration of essential services.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the healthcare system on the brink of collapse and children facing severe malnutrition. The UN’s alarm underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the protection of civilians.