Gaza Strip, 17 May 2024: In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that no medical supplies have entered Gaza for the past 10 days. This critical shortage exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory, where the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.
A Palestinian boy stands before makeshift tents in the European Hospital compound in Khan Yunis, a stark representation of the dire circumstances facing Gaza’s civilians. The lack of medical supplies has reached a critical point, as Israel’s closure of the Rafah crossing—a vital entry point for humanitarian aid—continues. WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the last shipment of medical supplies arrived before May 6.
On May 7, Israeli forces entered Rafah to expand their offensive against Hamas, following attacks by the militant group seven months earlier. This military action has effectively sealed the Rafah crossing into Egypt, hindering the flow of essential humanitarian aid.
The blockade has also severely impacted other key crossings. The Kerem Shalom and Erez crossings from Israel into Gaza have been virtually shut down, further isolating the territory and its inhabitants.
Jasarevic highlighted the acute fuel shortage as a major concern. Gaza’s healthcare facilities require approximately 1.8 million liters of fuel per month to maintain operations. Since the border closure, only 159,000 liters have been delivered, which is drastically insufficient. Currently, only 13 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are “partially” operational, putting countless lives at risk.
“Hospitals still functioning are running out of fuel, and that puts so many lives in danger,” Jasarevic warned. “Current military operations in Rafah are endangering numerous lives.”
The conflict has taken a devastating toll. According to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, the Hamas attack on October 7 resulted in over 1,170 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians. Of the 252 people taken hostage, 128 remain in Gaza, with 38 reported dead by the Israeli army.
In Gaza, the death toll has surpassed 35,300, predominantly civilians, as reported by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with UN agencies warning of a growing risk of famine.
As the conflict rages on, the international community’s urgent call for humanitarian aid and a resolution to the blockade remains unheeded, leaving Gaza’s population in a perilous state.
