Gaza on the Brink of Collapse: Health Catastrophe and Continued Ceasefire Violations
The Gaza Strip continues its slide into one of the most dangerous humanitarian and health crises in its history, amid an unprecedented deterioration of the health system, ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement by the Israeli enemy, and a rising number of martyrs and wounded, all while the international community remains clearly incapable of halting the catastrophe.
The Collapse of the Health System and the Threat to Life
The Gaza Center for Human Rights expressed its deep concern regarding the rapidly deteriorating health situation in the Strip, emphasizing that the crisis has transcended the emergency level and transformed into a comprehensive structural collapse that threatens the right to life and health for more than two million people.
The Center explained that what is happening is a direct result of systematic Israeli policies aimed at dismantling the health system and turning functioning hospitals into forced waiting rooms for thousands of patients and wounded individuals, amidst a severe shortage of medical resources.
Shocking Figures for Illness and Death
According to field monitoring, the center documented 2,142,000 cases of infectious diseases, including acute respiratory infections, skin diseases, and hepatitis, in an environment lacking even the most basic diagnostic and treatment tools.
Twenty-one deaths were also recorded among displaced persons due to the drop in temperatures and the absence of medical care, a dangerous indicator of the complete collapse of the emergency health response system.
Severe Shortage of Medicines and Laboratory Supplies
Data indicates that approximately 70% of medical laboratories have ceased operations, while the shortage of medicines and medical supplies has reached unprecedented levels:
– 46% of essential medicines are completely out of stock
– 66% of medical supplies are completely out of stock
– 84% of laboratory and blood bank supplies are completely depleted
The Ministry of Health confirmed that cancer, hematology, surgery, intensive care, and primary care services are the most severely affected, while the quantities of medicines received do not meet the minimum actual needs.
Warning of an Imminent Epidemic Catastrophe
In a briefing, Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, Director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, warned that Gaza is facing a full-blown epidemic catastrophe with the spread of a highly contagious acute respiratory virus causing severe symptoms including high fever and acute pneumonia.
He pointed out that the lack of laboratory reagents and testing equipment is hindering the continued scientific management of the disease and leaving already weakened patients vulnerable to fatal complications.
Continued Ceasefire Violations
In parallel with the collapse of the healthcare system, the Israeli army continues to violate the ceasefire agreement through artillery, air, and naval bombardments, and the demolition of residential areas in eastern Gaza and Khan Younis.
These violations have resulted in 574 martyrs since the agreement came into effect. The Ministry of Health confirmed that the total number of victims of the aggression since October 7, 2023, has reached:
72,027 martyrs
171,651 injuries
The West Bank and Jerusalem: A Parallel Escalation
In the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights documented the martyrdom of 1,054 Palestinians since October 2023, in addition to the forced displacement of more than 32,000 Palestinians and the demolition of dozens of buildings, as part of the expansion of settlement projects.
International Campaign to Break the Silence
In response, a three-day global campaign to break the international silence was launched, with the participation of activists in various countries around the world, demanding an end to the aggression, the opening of crossings, the entry of humanitarian aid, and accountability for those who committed crimes against civilians.
Gaza Between Annihilation and Silence
Faced with this catastrophic scene, Gaza today appears to be facing a true existential test, where health annihilation intersects with military escalation, amid suspicious international silence and a clear inability to enforce legal and humanitarian obligations. Observers confirm that saving what remains of life in the Strip can no longer tolerate temporary solutions, but rather requires urgent and effective international intervention that puts an end to the aggression, lifts the siege, and restores the Palestinians’ right to live in dignity.
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