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On December 3rd, the Ministry of Health reported a devastating toll: 349 fatalities and 750 injuries. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with occupancy rates reaching 171% in regular beds and a staggering 221% in intensive care units. Nasser Medical Complex, designed for 350 patients, and European Gaza Hospital, with 370 beds, are now accommodating 1000 patients each, and thousands more seeking shelter, surpassing their limits threefold.
Tragically, as of December 3rd, Ministry of Health records indicate over 15,899 deaths, with a majority being women and children, while another 42,003, primarily women and children, have suffered injuries. Gaza remains unsafe, with ongoing hostilities causing grave concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) urges Israel to adhere to the laws of war, safeguarding civilians and vital infrastructure like hospitals.
Recent events in northern Gaza cannot be replicated in the south. The region can’t afford to lose more hospitals while health demands surge. Evacuation orders concentrate people into smaller areas, straining remaining hospitals lacking essentials like fuel, medicine, food, and protection for health workers.
WHO and partners face challenges in delivering aid due to dwindling supplies and safety concerns during transport. Ground operations threaten to sever access to crucial health care facilities, isolating thousands in southern Gaza from urgent medical help.
Nearly 80% of Gaza’s population, about 1.9 million people, are displaced, and recent evacuation orders impact a substantial number in Khan Younis and neighboring areas. The escalation of hostilities has reduced functional hospitals from 36 to 18, with many stretched beyond capacity.
An on-site inspection at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis revealed a dire situation: overcrowded wards, exhausted health workers, and patients treated on floors due to bed shortages. Disease surveillance struggles, noting spikes in infectious illnesses like respiratory infections, scabies, jaundice, and diarrhea, raising concerns about hepatitis outbreaks.
A staggering 203 attacks on healthcare facilities and workers have been recorded between October 7th and November 28th, an appalling violation. The urgent plea remains for an enduring ceasefire, the only viable solution amidst this humanitarian crisis.
