The World Health Organization has warned of a severe medical equipment shortage in Gaza that is preventing hospitals and health centers from operating at full capacity. According to WHO officials, more than half of Gaza’s medical facilities are functioning only partially due to restrictions on essential supplies. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Minister has cautioned that the entire health system is at risk of total collapse.
The statements highlight escalating concerns about the future of healthcare services in the Gaza Strip.
Over half of Gaza hospitals operating partially
WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, Reinheld Van de Verdt, stated during a press conference in Geneva that 53 percent of hospitals and 58 percent of health centers in Gaza are operating only partially.
She explained that the primary cause is a severe shortage of medicines and medical equipment.
Restrictions on the entry of supplies have significantly hampered service delivery.
“Dual-use” classification complicates supply access
Van de Verdt noted that some medical supplies are classified as “dual-use” items, leading to delays or denial of entry.
She stressed that internationally recognized medical equipment should not be subjected to excessive bureaucratic restrictions.
WHO called for immediate easing of procedures to ensure access to essential medicines and equipment.
Direct risks to patient survival
WHO warned that without laboratory equipment and diagnostic reagents, it is impossible to detect diseases or identify potential outbreaks.
The absence of oxygen concentrators threatens critically ill patients who depend on respiratory support.
The organization emphasized that delays in medical deliveries are costing lives.
Thousands require long-term rehabilitation
WHO estimates that more than 43,000 people in Gaza, including around 10,000 children, have sustained injuries requiring long-term rehabilitation, prosthetics, and assistive devices.
The crisis unfolds amid repeated attacks on healthcare infrastructure, with 22 documented attacks on health facilities in Gaza this year alone.
Palestinian Health Minister warns of systemic collapse
Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan described the situation as an unprecedented humanitarian and moral crisis.
Speaking in Geneva during the 79th World Health Assembly, he warned that the Palestinian health system is facing catastrophic conditions beyond the endurance of any healthcare system worldwide.
Destruction of medical infrastructure
Abu Ramadan detailed widespread destruction affecting hospitals, clinics, ambulances, laboratories, and pharmacies.
He described children undergoing amputations without anesthesia, pregnant women delivering without adequate medical care, and cancer patients deprived of life-saving treatment.
He also reported a sharp increase in child malnutrition and infectious disease spread due to overcrowding and damaged sanitation systems.
Crisis extends to the West Bank
The minister noted that the health crisis is not confined to Gaza.
In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, refugee camps are experiencing daily destruction and forced displacement.
He called for immediate reopening of Qalqilya Hospital departments, particularly maternity and internal medicine units.
UNRWA’s critical role
Abu Ramadan emphasized the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency UNRWA in providing services to millions of Palestinian refugees.
He urged the international community to ensure sustainable funding and prevent the politicization of humanitarian aid.
Call for protection of medical personnel
The Palestinian minister demanded immediate protection for healthcare workers and facilities.
He stressed that attacks on medical infrastructure violate international humanitarian law.
He warned that history would judge the global response to the unfolding crisis.
International responsibility
Abu Ramadan reaffirmed that Palestinians have the right to life, dignity, health, and freedom like all peoples worldwide.
He appealed for urgent international action to safeguard humanitarian access and protect civilian healthcare systems.
Broader humanitarian implications
The medical equipment shortage in Gaza represents a severe strain on emergency response capacity.
Limited diagnostics, reduced surgical capabilities, and damaged facilities are compounding an already fragile healthcare system.
Without swift intervention, the risk of further mortality and disease outbreaks remains high.
Conclusion:
The medical equipment shortage in Gaza, as highlighted by WHO, has left more than half of healthcare facilities operating only partially. Combined with repeated attacks on medical infrastructure and restricted access to essential supplies, the Palestinian health system faces the threat of total collapse. International intervention, unimpeded humanitarian access, and protection of medical services are urgently needed to prevent further deterioration and humanitarian catastrophe.
