The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised grave concerns over the collapse of Gaza’s health infrastructure, warning on Thursday that the system is nearing total breakdown as Israeli military operations intensify and displacement soars.
According to the WHO, just 19 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional, and only 12 of those are capable of delivering a range of essential health services. At least 94% of health facilities across the territory have sustained damage or have been completely destroyed.
“The health system is at a breaking point,” the WHO stated, citing severe shortages of medical supplies, water, food, and fuel, along with the growing displacement of civilians, as conditions spiral into deeper crisis.
In just the past week, four major hospitals in Gaza have been forced to suspend medical services due to nearby hostilities. WHO teams attempting to access Al-Awda and the Indonesian hospitals were reportedly unable to do so due to ongoing security threats.
The deteriorating healthcare situation has compounded the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. With hospitals overwhelmed and unable to operate safely, thousands remain at risk, particularly the sick, wounded, and those in need of urgent medical attention.
The WHO continues to call for safe humanitarian access and an immediate halt to attacks on healthcare infrastructure. As the conflict rages on, international health officials warn that time is running out to prevent further catastrophe.
Melissa Enoch
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