Gaza’s healthcare system is teetering on the brink of complete collapse, forcing doctors into a ‘silent triage’ where impossible choices determine who lives and who dies. With at least 94% of hospitals damaged or destroyed by recent Israeli attacks, medical professionals are grappling with shortages of supplies and overwhelming numbers of patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the situation is unsustainable, as intensified military operations exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.
Hospitals Under Attack
Al-Awda Hospital, one of the few remaining functional facilities, was recently struck, injuring staff and further depleting essential resources. Numerous hospitals have been compelled to suspend services due to their proximity to ongoing hostilities and evacuation orders, leaving countless Gazans without access to critical medical care. The combination of relentless attacks and severe shortages has created a desperate environment where doctors are forced to make agonizing decisions.
Critical Shortages and Starvation
Amidst the chaos, the UN reports critical shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and fuel. One in five Gazans now face starvation, further compounding the health crisis. The World Food Programme has reported instances of aid trucks being looted, driven by sheer ‘hunger, desperation and anxiety.’ Despite diplomatic efforts and planned international conferences aimed at reviving the two-state solution, the immediate reality in Gaza remains dire.
Rising Casualties
Recent reports indicate that at least 29 children and elderly people have died due to starvation. Civilian casualties continue to rise as Israeli strikes persist. According to reports, at least five Palestinians were killed and 50 wounded in an Israeli attack targeting people gathering around a truck carrying flour in southern Gaza. The healthcare system’s collapse amplifies the tragedy, as even those who survive the initial onslaught may succumb to treatable conditions due to the lack of medical resources. The situation demands immediate international attention to prevent further loss of life and complete collapse of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure.
