Al-Daqran: Israel Blocks Medicines and Deepens Gaza’s Health Crisis

The spokesperson for Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza, Khalil Al-Daqran, warned on Sunday of a catastrophic deterioration of the health situation in the Strip due to the ongoing violations of the Israeli occupation against the ceasefire agreement, its continued prevention of medicine and medical supplies from entering Gaza, and its ban on the travel of wounded and sick individuals requiring treatment abroad.

Speaking to “Voice of Palestine Radio,” Al-Daqran stated that the medical files and referrals of approximately 16,500 patients and wounded individuals are ready for transfer outside the Strip, but Israel continues to obstruct their exit despite their urgent need for immediate medical care—deepening the humanitarian suffering and putting lives at risk.

He warned of the spread of diseases and epidemics with the onset of winter, due to the lack of safe shelter for displaced families, the mixing of wastewater with drinking water, and the shutdown of many field medical points after heavy rain and storms destroyed tents.

Al-Daqran called on the international community to urgently intervene to provide tents, caravans, and construction materials to ensure the continuity of essential health services. He held the occupation fully responsible for the worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

He noted that the Israeli aggression since October 8, 2023—supported by the United States—has resulted in a genocide that has claimed the lives of more than 68,800 martyrs, caused 170,000 injuries, and left 10,000 missing, along with massive destruction of infrastructure and essential services.