Gaza's Health System Nears Collapse as Medicine Shortage Rate Hits 52%, Ministry Warns

Gaza's healthcare system is facing a catastrophic failure, with its Ministry of Health warning on Sunday that critical shortages of drugs and medical supplies are threatening hundreds of thousands of lives, even amid a fragile two-month-old ceasefire.

After more than two years of war and a crippling blockade, the ministry issued an urgent appeal for international intervention, detailing a system on the brink. According to their statement, the situation has reached a critical point where basic diagnostic and treatment services are becoming impossible to provide.

The ministry estimates that these shortages are potentially depriving 200,000 patients of emergency care and 100,000 of surgical services. “Given these alarming figures... the Ministry of Health urgently appeals to all relevant parties to fully assume their responsibilities,” the statement read, citing Israel's continued reduction of medical aid trucks to less than 30% of the monthly need.

The consequences are dire. Zaher Al Waheidi, an official at the ministry, stated that 1,200 patients, including 155 children, have died after being unable to be evacuated for treatment abroad. Another 1,500 children are currently waiting for border crossings to open for the same reason.

Fragility Beyond the Frontlines

The humanitarian crisis extends beyond the hospitals. On Sunday, six Palestinian detainees released from Israeli detention arrived at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for treatment. According to medical sources and news reports, many former prisoners show signs of malnutrition and injuries from abuse. Rights groups contend Israel held them without due process, and the ICRC has warned it hasn't been granted access to Palestinian detainees since October 2023. While Israel has released some detainees, over 10,000 Palestinians reportedly remain in its prisons.

Meanwhile, Gaza's decaying infrastructure poses a constant threat. The Civil Defence reported rescuing five people after a house roof collapsed in Gaza City, an incident that killed four others. Since the ceasefire began, collapsing buildings have killed at least 18 people, a stark reminder of the war's lasting damage.