Gaza’s healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges as the ongoing conflict continues to impact the region, according to a report from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The organization has highlighted the urgent need for reinforcement and protection of hospitals amid ongoing Israeli bombardments and a prolonged blockade that has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
The ICRC issued a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that the healthcare infrastructure in Gaza is currently under severe strain due to a rising number of casualties. The Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah, for instance, has had to activate its mass casualty incident protocol multiple times in the past two weeks, treating a growing influx of patients with wounds from gunfire and shrapnel. Mostly, these injuries are reported to have occurred as individuals attempted to access critical aid distribution points, underlining the dire circumstances facing the people of Gaza.
Since the initiation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on May 27, there have been alarming reports of casualties around aid distribution sites, with hundreds of Palestinians losing their lives due to Israeli fire. The GHF has taken over the aid distribution efforts in the region, prompting a notable shift away from traditional agencies such as the United Nations amid an 11-week blockade that has raised concerns of widespread famine.
Recent updates indicate that the death toll from incidents related to GHF distribution sites has reached 125, with 736 others wounded and nine individuals reported missing. In a particularly tragic series of events, at least 13 people were killed and more than 150 injured in an attack where Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on civilians who had gathered near aid distribution centers.
The Red Cross has underscored the need for urgent action to protect the remaining functional medical facilities in Gaza, warning that the escalating violence puts these institutions at grave risk. The organization has called for comprehensive measures to support healthcare operations, ensure the safety of medical personnel, and prevent the depletion of essential resources. As tensions continue to rise, the ICRC stresses that without immediate and decisive action, the potential for further loss of life looms large.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, and the protective measures for healthcare personnel and facilities are paramount to prevent further deterioration. Addressing these urgent needs is crucial for averting needless casualties and supporting the wellbeing of the Gazan population.
#MiddleEastNews #HealthNews