Gaza's last major hospital faces imminent shutdown as fuel runs out
In the heart of war-torn Gaza, Al Shifa Hospital stands alone. It had been one of many medical centres providing treatment and hope during Israel's devastating bombardment of the enclave, but Kamal Adwan Hospital, the Indonesian Hospital and Al Awda Hospital have all been forced out of service.
Al Shifa is now the last fully operating major hospital in Gaza. But the burden of treating the injured could soon become too much.
'We are performing the work of all the hospitals that have collapsed,' Dr Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al Shifa in Gaza city, told The National. 'Our hospital was built to accommodate 140 beds. Today, we are treating over 350 patients. Most of them are lying in the corridors, in the courtyards, wherever there's floor space.'
The surge in patients intensifies the pressure on a healthcare system on the brink. Inside Al Shifa, rooms meant for five patients now house more than 10. Emergency wards are overflowing. Every day, new patients, many injured in shootings near aid distribution sites, arrive in waves that overwhelm exhausted staff.
But it is not only space that is running out. Medication and surgical supplies are vanishing too.
'For more than three months, not a single pill has entered Gaza,' Dr Abu Salmiya said. 'We are out of everything, drugs for surgery, painkillers, antibiotics, emergency medicine. We are treating patients without the tools we need. It is an impossible situation.'
The hospital now faces most serious shortage of all. "The fuel we have can only last for a few more days,' he added. 'Yesterday, we received a small delivery, barely enough for three days.
"We have appealed to the World Health Organisation, to UNDP [UN Development Programme], to anyone who can hear us. Without fuel, we will lose everyone.'
The hospital desperately needs fuel to produce electricity. Without it, its generators will stop, killing patients.
'If the generators go silent, the 13 ICU patients on ventilators will die," Dr Abu Salmiya said. "Eighteen premature babies in incubators will die. The lab will shut down. And 350 kidney dialysis patients will have their treatment stopped. Their lives will be in immediate danger.'
The hospital will also be forced to suspend surgical services. 'A hospital without power isn't a hospital,' he added.
Across the enclave, humanitarian supplies including food and medicine are trickling in, while the healthcare system gasps for breath. But patients continue to seek help at Al Shifa.
'We're watching people die not from wounds, but from the failure of the system around them,' Dr Abu Salmiya said. 'It is no longer just war, it is the collapse of life itself.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Middle East Eye
3 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Israel kills civilians in Gaza aid distribution centres, tents and residential blocks
Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in the death of at least 15 civilians since dawn on Friday, as a complete internet and telecommunications blackout hits the besieged enclave. Several citizens looking for aid, as well as aid workers, were killed and wounded in separate attacks on Friday morning, including one near the Netzarim checkpoint in central Gaza. The health ministry in Gaza reported on Thursday that there have been 245 deaths amongst those seeking aid, with over 2,152 injured, since the US-Israeli "aid" operation began over two weeks ago. The number is expected to rise after Israeli attacks on aid centres on Friday. Israel also struck residential blocks, including in al-Rawda and al-Tuffah neighbourhoods located east of Gaza City, a mosque in Jabalia, north of Gaza, and attacks on the so-called al-Mawasi "safe zone" in Khan Younis, south Gaza. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Emergency response teams capabilites were crippled due to the complete shutdown of communication services following targeted Israeli attacks on Gaza's telecommunications infrastructure. The Wafa news agency reported that Palestinians around the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis were forced to move towards the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone late on Thursday, despite subsequent attacks on Friday. Medical sources noted that Israeli forces directly contacted those in the vicinity of the hospital, amid the communications blackout, declaring the area a 'military operations zone' and ordering to leave. The health ministry in Gaza warned that the targeting of the medical centre, the only facility south of the Gaza Strip that provides specialised treatment, could lead to a complete collapse of healthcare services. A large number of residents from Khan Younis have fled from the Nasser Medical Complex area and Al-Dhahra in central Khan Younis to the Al-Mawasi area in western Khan Younis, following military threats of an imminent operation in the city center. نزح عدد كبير من أهالي مدينة… — Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) June 13, 2025 Israel has repeatedly targeted the medical infrastructure in Gaza, particularly the north, with the ministry indicating that the systematic attacks are now targeting the south's healthcare. "The Nasser Medical Complex is the only place in the Southern Governorate that provides specialized services such as dialysis, nurseries, intensive care, and surgical procedures. Its cessation would mean the deaths of hundreds of patients and a humanitarian disaster," the ministry said. Continued communication blackout On Thursday, all internet and landline telecommunications services were completely cut off, the Gaza Government Emergency Operations Room for Interventions announced in Gaza. Israel launched a direct attack on the last remaining main fiber optic route connecting Gaza, which the operations room indicated is a "deliberate and dangerous escalation" that aims to "dismantle the telecommunications infrastructure in Gaza". The blockaded enclave's southern and central governorated were affected by the destruction, joining Gaza City and the northen region, which have been disconnected since the beginning of the week. According to the operations room, the blackout, alongside wide-scale electricity outages and fuel shortage, have further deepened the crisis in Gaza. Israel's war on Gaza has killed over 55,200 people, leaving at least 127,800 wounded since 7 October 2023. A number of states and international organisations have designated the killings as genocide.
Cosmopolitan ME
10 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan ME
Tweakment tourism: Why everyone's flying to Dubai for aesthetics
When your return flight includes a snatched jawline and brighter skin, you know you've done Dubai right. Tweakment tourism is booming, and Dubai is right at the centre of it. With its blend of ultra-luxury clinics, world-class technology and sunshine-filled recovery, the city has quietly become a global hotspot for cosmetic treatments. Whether it's a subtle tweak or a full-blown transformation, more and more visitors are planning their aesthetics appointments right alongside their brunch bookings and yacht days. Via CanvaPro So, what's behind the rise? For one, Dubai has something most destinations can't offer: cutting-edge treatments in an ultra-safe, medically regulated environment. Thanks to strict licensing laws, practitioners are highly vetted, and the standards are often higher than in many Western countries. From Polynucleotides and exosomes to Morpheus8 and Lumecca IPL, Dubai's clinics are packed with high-tech devices and many doctors are international trainers in their field. Some are even offering next-gen skin detox protocols like Heleo4 Skin Cellular Detox, a science-backed system designed to reduce inflammation, improve skin clarity and support recovery after invasive treatments – ideal for tourists wanting to reset their skin while they reset their schedule. Dr Mehri Pourkand, founder of Dr Mehri Aesthetics Clinic in Dubai, says this reputation for clinical excellence is a major pull. 'Patients often tell me they feel safer having tweakments done in Dubai than anywhere else. Standards are incredibly high here – you're not walking into a backroom or a pop-up shop. You're stepping into a state-of-the-art clinic with highly trained experts, often with international qualifications.' But the appeal goes far beyond the treatment room. Unlike in the UK or US, where patients often sneak in tweakments during a lunch break, Dubai clinics offer a more elevated, wellness-led experience. You're just as likely to sip a collagen tea in a chic waiting lounge as you are to be prepped with numbing cream and LED masks. Think Beverly Hills meets Balmain – aesthetics with a serious dose of glamour. Dr Hassan Galadari, a leading dermatologist and global trainer, explains that Dubai's investment in the latest technologies is a major draw for international clients. 'People are drawn to treatments like Morpheus8 Burst and Lumecca Peak because they deliver powerful results with minimal downtime. Dubai clinics are often first to adopt these innovations, making them a magnet for patients who want to stay ahead of the curve.' Via CanvaPro And with flying in for tweakments becoming more mainstream, the industry is evolving to meet the demand. According to celebrity facialist Orsi, founder of Orskin Aesthetics, bespoke treatment packages are becoming the norm. 'Our clients love combining their trips with facials that treat deeper skin concerns – whether that's pigmentation, acne scars, or just needing that post-flight plump,' she says. 'Dubai is known for luxury, and that now extends to skincare too.' Clinics are now creating curated itineraries to align with travel plans, often slotting in appointments at the start of a trip so guests can recover poolside – low downtime, high reward. And with many modern procedures offering visible results in days, clients can return home looking refreshed without the tell-tale signs of 'having something done.' Social media plays a huge role too. Dubai's aesthetic scene is highly visible, with skin clinics and doctors frequently featured in influencer content, celebrity posts and glossy magazine features. It's not uncommon for someone to book a treatment here after seeing it on TikTok or recommended by a Dubai-based beauty blogger. Dr Pourkand adds a note of caution: 'Always check your practitioner's credentials and look for clinics that follow DHA-approved protocols. Just because it's glamorous doesn't mean you should skip safety.' With sun, sea, and serious skincare, Dubai is fast becoming the go-to destination for aesthetic tourists – and honestly, we're here for it. Whether you're jetting in for a subtle refresh or a full tweakment itinerary, the results are the kind you'll actually want to show off on the 'gram. If aesthetics tweakment aren't for you but in need of a glow-up? Try these face massages out.
Khaleej Times
17 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Rush to doctor if child inhales vape; brief nicotine intake can harm brain
Doctors in UAE urged parents to be vigilant and advised them to keep vaping devices out of children's reach after a recent incident involving a three-year-old who accidentally inhaled from a vape left unattended. The conversation around vaping and child safety resurfaced after a UAE resident shared a post on social media describing how her toddler accessed and used a vape that didn't belong to the family but had been left lying around. In her social media post, the mother explained how the family rushed the child to the hospital, where medical professionals took swift action and even consulted Poison Control UAE to ensure comprehensive care. Medics have since responded, warning that even brief nicotine exposure through vaping can impact a child's brain development, particularly in the early years. Dr Seher Kamal, specialist paediatrician at Aster Clinic, Dubai, said, "As a specialist paediatrician practising in UAE, I understand how frightening this situation can feel for parents. When a curious three-year-old gets hold of a vaping device, it's natural to feel alarmed. The immediate effects, such as coughing, dizziness, or upset stomach, occur because their little bodies process nicotine differently than adults do." She noted that the concentrated nicotine delivery in modern vaping devices poses particular risks for toddlers' developing brains. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even brief exposure may affect cognitive development and attention mechanisms. Respond quickly and calmly "However, the encouraging news is that single, brief exposures typically don't cause permanent damage when addressed promptly," Kamal said. She added that while the situation is serious, it's important for parents to respond quickly and calmly: "The American Academy of Paediatrics emphasises that children are incredibly resilient. What matters most is how quickly and calmly you respond." Understanding the timeline of symptom onset is crucial. "If symptoms appear, they typically develop within 15-30 minutes, giving parents a clear window to assess the child's condition," she explained. Experts pointed out that nicotine toxicity in toddlers becomes concerning at doses of around 0.5–1 mg/kg body weight. For a toddler weighing 15 kg, this translates to approximately 7.5–15 mg of nicotine — a quantity easily delivered by modern vape devices, which often contain 20–70 mg/ml of nicotine. "Even brief contact can deliver concerning doses," said Dr Kamal. However, she reassured that "Recent clinical data from pediatric emergency departments, including research published in Pediatric Emergency Care (2024), shows that most accidental exposures involve minimal absorption due to children's natural aversion to the taste and sensation." Act fast: Treat all symptoms seriously Healthcare professionals also warned of other physical hazards beyond nicotine exposure. Dr Ayman Fahmy, specialist in paediatrics at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, stated, "Small components such as vape pods or detachable parts can present a choking risk if a toddler places them in their mouth. If the device leaks or if the e-liquid is ingested or comes into contact with mucous membranes, it can result in chemical burns or significant irritation." Dr Fahmy urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if any symptoms arise, no matter how minor they may initially seem. "Early signs include nausea and vomiting, excessive drooling, pallor or flushing of the skin, dizziness or unsteadiness, coughing or throat irritation (particularly if inhaled), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), sweating or chills. These signs indicate the need for urgent evaluation." Doctors also emphasised that if a toddler sees an adult vaping, they may try to imitate it-especially if a vape device is left within reach. They reiterate that, therefore, these devices must be locked away and kept out of children's reach. Dr Riham Ismail, specialist paediatrician at Medcare Women & Children Hospital, said, "Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Here's what the app Poison Control and paediatric ER guidelines recommend — remove the device from the child's reach. Store all vape devices and liquids safely. Even being left on a low table or in a handbag is enough for a curious toddler to get exposed." She added, "If there's vape liquid on the skin, wash the area with soap and water. Do not induce vomiting. Bring the vape device and any packaging to help the doctors assess the exposure."
