Gaza’s healthcare system on the brink of collapse as hospitals in the north face severe overcrowding and destruction
Hospitals in northern Gaza are facing a dire situation as they struggle to cope with the influx of wounded patients. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the occupancy rate in hospitals in the region has reached a staggering 190 percent. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent bombing and destruction of al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza. As the Israeli army continues its siege on the enclave, the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.
Al-Shifa Hospital targeted and out of service
Last week, Israeli forces targeted and destroyed parts of al-Shifa Hospital, leaving it completely out of service. The hospital, which houses over 700 people, has been under siege by the Israeli army. The occupation has made it difficult for medical staff to provide adequate care to patients. The Israeli army claimed they were searching for a Hamas tunnel network and command center beneath the hospital, but Hamas has denied these allegations.
Premature babies evacuated, but hundreds remain in danger
In an effort to save lives, a group of 28 premature babies were evacuated from al-Shifa Hospital to Egypt for treatment. However, there are still over 400 injured individuals inside the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, along with 200 medical staff and over 2,000 others seeking refuge. The Israeli army has created a “circle of death” around the hospital, targeting anyone who moves within or around the facility.
Attacks on hospitals and dire conditions
The Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza has also faced attacks, with at least 12 Palestinians killed and dozens wounded. The hospital, funded by Jakarta, is currently surrounded by Israeli tanks. Hospitals in northern Gaza and Gaza City have also experienced power outages due to fuel shortages and Israeli attacks. The lack of essential supplies, including water and medicines, has further exacerbated the dire conditions.
WHO reports on attacks and casualties
The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented 335 attacks on healthcare facilities in the occupied Palestinian territory since the beginning of the Gaza war. These attacks have resulted in forced mass evacuations, fatalities, and casualties among patients, their companions, and displaced individuals seeking refuge. The WHO warns that the lives of those with severe injuries and medical emergencies are at immediate risk.
Conclusion: The healthcare system in Gaza is on the verge of collapse as hospitals in the north face severe overcrowding and destruction. The targeting of medical facilities and the lack of essential supplies have put the lives of countless Palestinians at risk. The international community must take immediate action to ensure the protection of healthcare facilities and the provision of essential resources to save lives in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has already claimed the lives of thousands and continues to inflict unimaginable suffering on the people of Gaza.
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