Gaza: The Israeli occupation's closure of the Gaza Strip crossings, now entering its third month, has significantly exacerbated the suffering of the local population, particularly affecting hospitals, patients, and the wounded. This unlawful blockade has halted the entry of essential medicine, fuel, and assistance, endangering the lives of thousands of Palestinians who require immediate medical care.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the health authorities in the Gaza Strip expressed grave concerns at a press conference about the alarming health and humanitarian situation. The ongoing siege has led to the destruction of health facilities and clinics, severely restricting access to medical care for women and children and exacerbating the crisis. The authorities highlighted that there is a zero ratio for the availability of medicines for women and children, with availability reaching only 51 percent. The Israeli occupation's blockade has also prevented the entry of polio vaccines, putting approximately 65,000 children at risk of death due to malnutrition and hunger.
The health authorities further revealed that around 22,000 patients require treatment outside the Gaza Strip, yet the Israeli occupation has barred them from leaving. Additionally, 14,000 individuals with permits to leave are still waiting for the crossings to open. The blockade has placed 350,000 chronic disease patients in danger due to the embargo on medicine. Among them, 71,338 individuals suffer from Hepatitis C, a situation worsened by forced displacement and poor sanitation. Furthermore, approximately 60,000 pregnant women urgently need medical attention.
Meanwhile, the media office of the Gaza government reported that the Israeli occupation has killed 1,411 medical staff and arrested 6,633 others, subjecting them to torture and inhumane treatment. The aggression has led to the destruction of 38 hospitals, rendering them inoperative, along with 81 clinics facing similar destruction. A total of 164 health institutes have been harmed, and 144 ambulances have been targeted.
Several international organizations, including UNRWA, have raised alarms about the dire health situation in the Gaza Strip. They have called for immediate action to save lives and prevent further deaths in the besieged region.