Adnan Abu Hasna, spokesperson for UNRWA, reported that the health situation in the Gaza Strip is completely collapsed even before the recent escalation of operations in the area, unable to handle the large number of wounded. There is a significant shortage of medical supplies, and as the World Health Organization has noted, the health sector in Gaza is on the brink of total collapse.
During a phone interview on the DMC Evening program aired on DMC channel, he added that only a few hospitals remain, lacking everything including technical capabilities, surgical capacities, and medicines. The issue is not just about the wounded, but also regular patients, including cancer patients and those needing routine surgeries, who are currently unable to receive treatment in Gaza.
He continued, stating that there is a serious issue with the weakening of individual immunity among Gaza’s residents in the face of diseases. Scabies has become prevalent due to the lack of clean water, and there are thousands of cases of hepatitis. There is a real fear of the spread of cholera and the collapse of the sewage system, as the residents of Gaza are being pushed towards the city of Rafah. The infrastructure and relief capabilities are unable to support one and a half million displaced people, raising fears of the spread of deadly diseases.
He emphasized that the situation has never been this dire, even in previous disasters. Hundreds of thousands are starving, with the current influx of aid being a mere 8% of what used to enter Gaza. Many heads of families are refraining from eating to provide meals for their children, with the situation particularly severe in North Gaza City.
The current situation in Gaza, as of January 2024, is extremely dire and marked by intense conflict and humanitarian crisis. The Israeli army’s attacks in Gaza have been devastating, resulting in a high number of casualties. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the death toll since October 7, 2024, has reached over 25,000 with more than 60,317 wounded. This includes a significant number of children and civilians. In one instance, an overnight Israeli army attack on a house in Rafah killed 14 Palestinians, including a two-year-old girl.
International efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza have been ongoing and intense. Several countries and international organizations have been actively involved in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region, which has been experiencing a devastating conflict for about four months.
The UN Security Council has seen active participation from several countries in demanding a halt to the ongoing conflict. Countries like Norway, Belgium, Russia, and China have voiced strong concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They have emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians, highlighting issues such as hunger, insufficient healthcare services, and lack of access to clean water. There have been calls for respecting international humanitarian law, non-targeting of civilians, and the opening of all crossings to ensure the passage of humanitarian aid without obstacles. The Chinese and Russian representatives particularly stressed the importance of ending the war as soon as possible to prevent further escalation in the region
