In numbers: How Israeli strikes brought Gaza's healthcare to the brink
'We've seen this too many times — it must not be allowed to happen again.' This anguished call came from the World Health Organisation chief on May 20 in a statement about the collapsing medical infrastructure in Gaza.Palestinians in Gaza have nowhere to go, not even to hospitals, which have been systemically attacked by Israel. These strikes have weakened Gaza's already fragile health system, pushing it to the verge of total collapse.advertisementTedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of the WHO, said on May 15 that the Gaza European Hospital, the last hospital providing 'vital services including neurosurgery, cardiac care, and cancer treatment — all unavailable elsewhere in Gaza', was no longer functional after a May 13 attack.European #Gaza Hospital is no longer functional after an attack on 13 May left it severely damaged and inaccessible.After being there yesterday. @WHO reached the hospital again today to relocate one international Emergency Medical Team—who continued working through the pic.twitter.com/1gJm66QcUl— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 15, 2025HEALTH CRISIS
Attacks were launched on the Al-Ahli Hospital on April 13, the Nasser Hospital on May 13 and 19, the European Gaza Hospital on May 13, and the Al-Awda Hospital on May 15.According to the WHO, between October 7, 2023 and May 7 this year, Israel launched a total of 686 attacks in Gaza that affected 122 healthcare facilities and 33 hospitals. About 180 ambulances were also destroyed. Right now, in Rafah, there are no functioning primary and secondary healthcare services. Over this period, more than 1,400 doctors, nurses and other medical staff were also killed.advertisementThe WHO reported that in northern Gaza, the Indonesian, Kamal Adwan, and Al Awda hospitals, along with three primary care centres and four medical points, were within the evacuation zone announced on May 20. Another two hospitals, four primary care centres, and six medical points lie within 1,000 metres of it.IN NUMBERSThe WHO's Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System evaluated 99 health service delivery units (HSDUs) in the Gaza Strip. These include hospitals, primary health centres, mobile clinics, and field hospitals.Only two HSDUs are fully functional, while 47 are partially functional, 32 are non-functional, and 18 have been fully destroyedOnly 26 medical buildings remain intact, 54 have been partially damaged, and 18 have been fully destroyedOnly 22 HSDUs have fully intact equipment, 44 have partially damaged equipment, and 33 have been destroyed completelyBASIC AMENITIES LACKINGOut of the 49 HSDUs that are fully or partially functioning, only six per cent have fully available intensive care unit beds; in 18 per cent, they are partially available. It's the same with maternity beds: only eight per cent have fully available maternity beds, while 16 per cent have partial availability. Only 16 per cent of them have emergency room beds.Power supply in hospitals and medical units is essential. But only 29 per cent of health units have a fully available power connection, while 65 per cent have a partially available power connection. Cold chains are also crucial as they ensure the proper storage of vaccines. Only 35 per cent of medical units in Gaza have a properly available cold chain, 33 per cent have partially available cold chains, while 32 per cent have none.There is zero availability of magnetic resonance imaging or MRI in any government hospital, field hospital, or medical unit in Gaza. Only five per cent have burn treatment services, 32 per cent have basic x-ray facilities, 25 per cent have computed tomography or CT scan services, and only 15 per cent have an available blood bank.The Israeli blockade of aid has also led to depletion of essential medical supplies, lack of food and water, and rationing of supplementary food for babies.Israel's stand on this strikeIsrael has justified its actions by saying that Hamas uses hospitals for military activities such as weapon storage. Israeli officials said the May 13 attack on the Gaza European Hospital targeted Hamas leaders, who they suspected were hiding in underground bunkers.Must Watch
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