Gaza Health System Faces 'Unprecedented Collapse' as Israel Blocks Aid, Warns Top Official

Gaza's health system is on the verge of an unprecedented collapse, a top health official warned on Tuesday, stating that thousands of patients face death or disability amid a harsh Israeli siege. According to Munir al-Barsh, director-general of Gaza's Ministry of Health, the situation is 'tragic and horrific' as Israel continues to block essential medical supplies, despite a United States-backed ceasefire that took effect in October.

The official told Al Jazeera that the blockade directly impacts doctors' ability to respond to critical cases, deepening what the ministry calls a critical and ongoing health emergency.

Crippling Shortages and Systemic Failures

Al-Barsh detailed widespread shortages, stating that nearly three-quarters of necessary medicines and medical supplies are unavailable. Key shortages include:

• Surgical consumables needed for operations
• Solutions, anaesthetics, and gauze
• Dialysis supplies

He added that persistent power outages and a significant shortage of generators further hamper medical efforts, describing the situation as the most dangerous seen since the Palestinian Authority was established over 30 years ago.

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A Broadening Human Toll

The crisis extends far beyond those wounded in direct conflict. Al-Barsh highlighted several vulnerable groups facing dire risks:

• Glaucoma Patients: Some 4,000 patients risk permanent blindness due to a lack of treatment.
• Pregnant Women: Nearly 40,000 displaced pregnant women live in substandard shelters, jeopardizing their health.
• Children: An estimated 320,000 children under five years are at risk of malnutrition due to aid restrictions.

Dying While Waiting for Treatment Abroad

For patients requiring specialized care, the process of leaving Gaza is a bureaucratic maze with fatal consequences. The official described a 'lengthy and complex' mechanism where referrals are first assessed by the World Health Organization (WHO) before being sent to Israeli authorities for security approval. The delays are deadly: at least 1,156 patients have died while waiting for permission to travel.

Currently, nearly 20,000 patients are on waiting lists for travel, including 4,300 children. Of those, about 3,700 are in critical condition. Al-Barsh demanded that Israel immediately open border crossings, warning that further delays will cost more lives.