DaysofPal – The United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued dire warnings about the imminent collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system, as ongoing Israeli airstrikes and a crippling fuel blockade continue to paralyze hospitals and endanger millions of civilians.
Fuel Crisis Paralyzes Medical Facilities
Gaza’s fuel crisis has now surpassed 100 consecutive days, rendering hospitals unable to operate surgical theaters, intensive care units, and other life-saving equipment. Of the 36 hospitals in the Strip, only 17 remain partially functional, while every hospital in northern Gaza has ceased operations entirely.
Major Hospitals Facing Imminent Shutdown
The Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis—the largest hospital in southern Gaza—is on the brink of closure due to repeated airstrikes in the vicinity and severe supply disruptions. Other facilities, including Al-Amal Hospital, face similar threats amid ongoing attacks and blockade-imposed restrictions.
Alarming Data Signals Systemic Collapse
The WHO reports that 94% of Gaza’s hospitals have sustained damage or been destroyed, and the number of functioning hospital beds has plummeted to just 2,000—grossly insufficient for a population exceeding 2 million.
In just the past few weeks, over 28 direct attacks on healthcare facilities have been documented, contributing to a total of 697 health-related incidents since October 2023. Medical staff are operating in extreme conditions, facing catastrophic shortages of medicine, surgical tools, and power supplies.
Global Warnings of a Humanitarian Catastrophe
The World Health Organization is urgently calling for:
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Immediate protection of all medical facilities and personnel
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Unhindered delivery of fuel and critical medical supplies
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A sustainable ceasefire to restore basic healthcare functions
In its most recent assessment, the United Nations described the situation as a “red alert” for a looming humanitarian disaster, warning that Gaza’s health system can no longer meet even minimal emergency needs.
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