James reported visiting primary health clinics in Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and al-Mawasi, where overwhelmed staff described a common crisis: a severe lack of essential medicines, medical supplies, and capacity to cope with the constant flow of patients.
“They were already struggling before the latest mass evacuation orders from Gaza City,” she told Al Jazeera, referring to the forced displacement issued on 9 September.
The clinics also serve children under five, and pregnant and breastfeeding women, many of whom are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. According to James, the numbers are rising monthly, with one clinic reporting that 40% of pregnant women were experiencing severe malnutrition.
The crisis goes beyond food insecurity. James highlighted the lack of clean water and basic sanitation as key contributors to rising disease levels. At one clinic, 1,500 patients were being treated daily with only a single toilet available – not even separated by gender.
“This is a recipe for the rapid spread of disease and infection, especially among women,” she warned.
As Gaza’s healthcare system buckles under relentless pressure, aid groups continue to call for urgent international intervention to prevent further humanitarian disaster.
