Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: 18,500 Patients and Injured Individuals in Urgent Need of Medical Evacuation
A coalition of Palestinian non-governmental organizations has voiced alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with essential aid being hindered from reaching the enclave. The group warns that the situation poses a serious threat to the lives of countless patients and injured individuals.
A statement released on Saturday by Amjad al-Shawa, the Director of the Palestinian NGOs Network in the Gaza Strip, revealed that a minimum of 18,500 patients and injured individuals are in desperate need of immediate medical transfer for treatment outside the coastal enclave.
The situation arises as the healthcare system in the strip approaches a critical breakdown amid continuous Israeli airstrikes and a severe shortage of medications and medical equipment.
Shawa called on U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to promptly exert pressure on Israel to ensure the opening of crossings and to allow unrestricted access for humanitarian aid.
He highlighted that roughly 90% of the population residing in the region depend entirely on humanitarian aid to satisfy their essential needs.
He reported that a significant number of children are afflicted with ailments linked to cold exposure and malnutrition as a result of harsh living conditions and inadequate heating and shelter.
He also verified that fatalities among these children have been documented in recent weeks.
Shawa reported that Israeli occupation forces have crossed the so-called yellow line and escalated their presence within the Gaza Strip, directly contravening established agreements.
He explained that the percentage of territories under occupation has risen from approximately 53% before the ceasefire agreement to over 60% currently, attributed to ongoing military advancements.
Shawa’s warnings align with the recent report from the World Health Organization, confirming that Gaza’s healthcare system is operating at less than 30% of its capacity.
As a result, a significant number of patients, including those with cancer, kidney failure, and severe injuries, face an increased risk of death due to restrictions on seeking medical treatment outside.
Doctors Without Borders has voiced alarm over the restrictions imposed by Israel on the importation of food, medical supplies, and materials for shelter, noting that these limitations have resulted in a substantial rise in malnutrition rates, particularly affecting children and pregnant women.
The situation in Gaza has escalated beyond a mere humanitarian crisis, signifying a critical moral and humanitarian collapse.
Following the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza on October 10, reports indicate that Israeli forces have allegedly killed 481 Palestinians and left 1,313 others injured, raising concerns about potential violations of the accord.
The Israeli forces have restricted the delivery of food, shelter materials, and medical supplies to Gaza, impacting 2.4 million Palestinians who are facing severe hardships.
A brutal conflict initiated in October 2023 came to an end after nearly two years with a ceasefire agreement, resulting in a toll of at least 71,654 Palestinian casualties and leaving 171,391 individuals injured.
The conflict has caused extensive devastation, with nearly 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure suffering damage or destruction. According to estimates by the United Nations, the reconstruction costs are projected to be around $70 billion.
