In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the healthcare system is being decimated, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). With an estimated 50,000 pregnant women currently living in Gaza, the UNRWA reports that more than 180 births are taking place every day, putting immense strain on the already struggling healthcare system. This comes as the UN agency reveals that the number of operational health centers has significantly decreased from 22 to just seven due to the relentless Israeli assault.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed deep concern over the state of Gaza’s health system. WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the situation as a tragedy and commended the health professionals in Gaza for their unwavering commitment to saving lives despite constant insecurity. He further called for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the burden on the healthcare system.
According to the UNRWA, only 38 percent of pre-conflict hospital beds remain available in Gaza, and just 30 percent of original health staff are still working. The situation is made worse by the repeated Israeli attacks on healthcare infrastructure, with 246 attacks registered by the WHO as of December 20. Hospitals, protected under international humanitarian law, have been repeatedly targeted, leaving patients largely abandoned and desperate for food and water.
The dire situation has left only nine out of 36 hospitals partially functional in the entire besieged territory, with none in the north. This lack of medical facilities has forced around 80 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to seek shelter in the south, with tens of thousands crammed in UN schools or living in makeshift tents to protect themselves from the harsh conditions.
The casualties of this 11-week war continue to rise, with at least 20,424 Palestinians killed, including 166 in the past 24 hours, according to officials in Gaza. Tens of thousands more are wounded, and many bodies remain trapped under rubble, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.
As the international community grapples with the devastating impact of the war in Gaza, the spotlight is on the urgent need for immediate humanitarian assistance and a sustainable ceasefire to allow for the rebuilding of the healthcare system and the provision of essential services to the most vulnerable population.
