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Escalating Health Crisis in Gaza Due to Hospital Strikes
In the latest wave of violence, several personnel from the Kuwaiti Field Hospital in Khan Younis, including two nurses, were reported injured due to a recent strike, as detailed by Gaza’s Ministry of Health and corroborated by international health agencies. This information was shared by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric during a routine press briefing in New York.
This incident follows an earlier attack on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, which had been a crucial facility providing care to those affected by ongoing Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza. The continuous bombardments are exacerbating an already dire situation within Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure.
Mr. Dujarric emphasized the grave impact of these assaults on healthcare facilities, stating, “The latest strikes on hospitals further cripples Gaza’s health care system.” He pointed out the alarming shortage of available beds, leading many patients to be treated in makeshift accommodations such as tents.
According to the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), only 21 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are functioning, and nearly all have suffered damage during the ongoing conflict. There is also a critical shortage of blood supplies necessary for life-saving surgeries, as reported by health officials.
In addition to the healthcare crisis, there are heightened fears regarding food scarcity in the region. Reports indicate that food warehouses have dwindled to “very low levels,” with no humanitarian aid having entered Gaza for several weeks.
Amidst these challenges, there was a slight respite as humanitarian workers managed to install a backup generator at Kamal Adwan Hospital, thereby enabling a water system to produce 20 cubic meters of clean water per hour—a vital resource for the beleaguered population.
Mr. Dujarric reiterated the United Nations’ urgent appeal for all involved parties to adhere to their obligations under international law to protect civilians and ensure access to essential resources for survival. He called for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, alongside a prompt restoration of a ceasefire.
Source
news.un.org