Gaza's Health System Nears Collapse as Medicine Shortage Rate Hits 52%, Ministry Warns
Gaza's Health Ministry reports a catastrophic shortage, with the rate for essential medicines out of stock at 52%. The crisis threatens thousands despite a ceasefire, as aid trucks are restricted.
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 State of Gaza's Medical Supply Chain
The ministry's report paints a grim picture of the current shortages:
- Essential Medicines: 321 items, representing 52% of the essential list, are completely out of stock.
- Medical Consumables: 710 items, or 71% of the list, are unavailable.
- Lab & Blood Bank Supplies: The shortage rate for these critical components has reached 59%.
The report highlighted that the most severe shortages are in life-saving drugs for emergency services, including intravenous antibiotics, IV solutions, and painkillers.
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.
A Timeline of the Crisis
- October 2023: The war begins, leading to widespread attacks on Gaza's infrastructure. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 125 health facilities, including 34 hospitals, have been damaged or attacked since.
- October 10, 2025: A U.S.-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect, halting major combat operations.
- December 21, 2025: Gaza's Health Ministry declares a severe health emergency, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire by failing to allow agreed-upon quantities of medical aid.
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.
PRISM Insight
The crisis in Gaza's health sector underscores a critical challenge for post-conflict stabilization: a ceasefire doesn't automatically end a humanitarian disaster. The ongoing blockade and infrastructure collapse create a 'silent crisis' that can be as deadly as active combat. This slow-burn emergency not only threatens lives but also erodes the foundations of the fragile peace. For international mediators, ensuring the consistent flow of aid and beginning reconstruction is not just a humanitarian need but a crucial component of preventing a relapse into wider conflict.
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