During a press conference following a European Union (EU) council meeting in Brussels, EU diplomat Josep Borrell revealed that 20 out of 35 hospitals in the Gaza Strip have ceased operations. This development comes as a result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has caused significant damage to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.
According to Borrell, some hospitals in Gaza have been completely destroyed, leaving the local population without essential healthcare services. “A part of [the hospitals] is destroyed. According to WHO data, 20 out of 35 hospitals have stopped functioning because there is no fuel, water, and electricity,” shared Borrell.
In addition to the healthcare crisis, Borrell also highlighted the difficulties faced in delivering humanitarian aid to the enclave. Despite the EU increasing its humanitarian assistance to Gaza to €100 million, trucks carrying aid are unable to reach their destination.
Earlier, Borrell emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian pauses in Gaza, calling on EU member states to take immediate action. A formal statement regarding this matter is expected to be issued following a meeting of foreign ministers from EU member states.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas, further escalating the tensions in the region. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the healthcare system on the verge of collapse and the civilian population in urgent need of assistance and protection. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza intensify.
