Gaza's Healthcare System on the Brink of Collapse Amid Ongoing Conflict

The ongoing war in Gaza has taken a devastating toll on the region's healthcare system, leaving hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties and severe shortages of medical supplies, according to reports from UN agencies and humanitarian organizations. Nearly 10,000 women have been killed in Gaza since the conflict erupted six months ago, and one child is injured or dies every 10 minutes.

The Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City, the largest medical facility in the region, has been "basically destroyed" after a recent Israeli incursion, with only a third of Gaza's 36 hospitals remaining functional. More than 76,000 people have been injured, and amputations and C-section births have been performed without anesthesia due to the lack of medical supplies and staff.

The UN has repeatedly called for a "deconfliction mechanism" to ensure aid convoys are not targeted, as seven aid workers were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Less than half of all "medivac" requests have been approved, meaning only around 4,500 people, mostly children, have been able to leave Gaza for medical care.

Why this matters: The dire situation in Gaza's healthcare system highlights the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians, particularly women and children. The international community is facing increasing pressure to take action to prevent further loss of life and ensure access to critical medical care.

The UN human rights chief has urged all states with influence to halt the "increasingly horrific human rights and humanitarian crisis" unfolding in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire. The head of a UN-appointed independent rights probe has also warned of the potential for military escalation between Israel and Iran, and the risks of triggering a regional conflict.

In addition to the healthcare crisis, Gaza is facing imminent famine due to Israel's continued blockade of humanitarian aid. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, the northern Gaza and area governorates are projected to meet the definition of famine anytime between now and May, with the entire population of 2.23 million people enduring high levels of acute food insecurity.

The UN has appealed for $2.8 billion to provide desperately needed aid to 3 million Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, with 90% of the funding going to Gaza. Andrea De Domenico, the head of the UN humanitarian office for Gaza and the West Bank, stated that massive operations are required to restore services like hospitals, water, and sanitation facilities, which were heavily damaged during Israel's recent military operations.

Key Takeaways

• Gaza's healthcare system devastated, 10,000 women killed, 1 child injured/dies every 10 mins
• Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City "basically destroyed", only 1/3 of 36 hospitals remain functional
• Over 76,000 injured, amputations and C-sections without anesthesia due to lack of supplies
• UN calls for ceasefire, Gaza faces imminent famine due to Israel's blockade of aid
• UN appeals for $2.8B to provide aid to 3 million Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank