DaysofPal- Dr. Muneer Al-Bursh, Director General of Gaza’s Ministry of Health, has warned of escalating risks to patients and war-wounded individuals as the Israeli occupation continues to restrict the entry of medical supplies into the Gaza Strip.
In an interview with Palestine newspaper, Al-Bursh said that the limited supplies allowed into Gaza meet no more than 5 percent of hospitals’ and healthcare centers’ actual needs for medicines and essential equipment.
The Israeli occupation has maintained tight restrictions on Gaza’s healthcare system following the war that began on October 7, 2023. Although a ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025, limitations on the entry of humanitarian and medical supplies have persisted, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis affecting tens of thousands of patients.
Al-Bursh said shortages have reached critical levels, with 52 percent of essential medicines unavailable and a 66 percent deficit in medical consumables and surgical supplies. He added that laboratory services have been severely disrupted due to an 84 percent shortage in laboratory materials, forcing the suspension of many diagnostic services.
“The healthcare system is facing accelerating collapse,” Al-Bursh said, noting that Israeli occupation is implementing a systematic policy targeting the health sector. He warned that preventing the entry of anesthetics and surgical medicines is placing patients’ lives at immediate risk.
He cautioned that continued restrictions could lead to rising fatalities among the sick and injured, particularly as the lack of laboratory supplies hampers disease diagnosis and treatment. Describing the situation as “very bad,” Al-Bursh said civilians are suffering the combined effects of war damage and ongoing blockade conditions.
According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, only 861 fuel trucks have entered the Strip since the ceasefire began, far short of the 6,000 trucks officials say are required to maintain essential services.
The office also reported 1,620 ceasefire violations, resulting in more than 570 Palestinian deaths, including children, women, and elderly individuals.
The health ministry has called for urgent international intervention to ensure the sustained and adequate delivery of medical supplies and fuel to prevent further deterioration of Gaza’s healthcare system.
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