Humanitarian situation in Gaza reaches critical point
Date
7/18/2024 4:20:19 AM
(MENAFN) The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical point due to the prolonged Israeli blockade of the Rafah border crossing. This closure has led to the tragic deaths of 292 individuals, who succumbed to their injuries while awaiting permission to travel for urgent medical treatment abroad. The blockade, now in its 72nd day, continues to prevent critical medical evacuations, further straining Gaza's already fragile healthcare system.
The government media Office in Gaza, in a statement released on Wednesday, revealed that these martyrs were among the many who required immediate medical attention in hospitals outside the Gaza Strip. Unfortunately, they perished while waiting for the crossing to reopen. The statement also highlighted that over 3,500 patients and injured individuals have been denied travel for necessary treatment due to the ongoing closure of the Israeli-controlled Rafah crossing.
Gaza health authorities have registered 25,000 transfer requests for patients needing treatment abroad. However, the blockade imposed by Israeli forces has deprived these individuals of essential medical care, significantly jeopardizing their health and survival.
The healthcare system in Gaza is currently experiencing its worst crisis. The blockade is part of a broader strategy by the Israeli occupation to dismantle Gaza's healthcare infrastructure. The statement pointed to the deliberate targeting, destruction, or burning of medical facilities, including the Al-Shifa Medical Complex and the Nasser Complex. These actions have forced hospitals to cease operations and evacuate their staff. Furthermore, the occupation has resulted in the deaths of 500 individuals and the arrest of approximately 310 medical personnel.
Since May 7, Israeli forces have maintained the closure of the Rafah crossing, following their occupation of the Palestinian side. This blockade has severely hindered the flow of humanitarian aid, especially fuel, leading to the complete collapse of the healthcare system. Hospitals are unable to operate generators due to the fuel shortage, and ambulance services are struggling to respond to emergency calls effectively. Many ambulances have been targeted and rendered inoperative.
As the blockade continues, the health crisis in Gaza deepens. Thousands of patients and injured individuals are suffering from a lack of access to essential medical treatment and humanitarian aid, with no resolution in sight. The ongoing closure of the Rafah crossing highlights the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
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