Claire Dawson
The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. As of May 2025, only 19 of the Gaza Strip's 36 hospitals remain operational, with severe shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and personnel. The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified 654 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza since October 2023, resulting in 886 fatalities and 1,349 injuries. The destruction of hospitals and other vital infrastructure has compounded the health crisis, with terrible living conditions and a lack of access to medical services causing sickness and malnutrition among the population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals in Gaza | 36 |
| Number of hospitals remaining operational | 19 |
| Number of hospitals partially operational | 16-17 |
| Hospitals that have been attacked | Kamal Adwan Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital, Al-Ahli Hospital, Al-Aqsa Hospital, Al-Nasser Children's Hospital, Al-Shifa Hospital, Indonesian Sheikh Hamad Hospital, Al-Quds Hospital, Nasser Medical Complex, Al-Amal, European Gaza Hospital, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics |
| Number of attacks on healthcare facilities since October 2023 | 654-697 |
| Number of health workers killed since October 2023 | 1,000 |
| Number of injured civilians | 105,000 |
| Number of injured civilians facing life-changing injuries | 25% of 105,000 |
| Number of people on the waiting list for urgent treatment abroad | 12,000 |
| Number of hospital beds in Gaza | 1,800-2,000 |
| Population of Gaza | 2 million |
| Number of displaced Palestinians | 1.9 million |
| Number of ambulances damaged | 130 |
| Number of wounded people in Gaza | 100,000 |
| Number of medical evacuations from Gaza | 229 |
| Number of requests for medical evacuations turned down | 60% |
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What You'll Learn
Israeli forces' destruction of hospitals and vital infrastructure
Israeli forces have been accused of systematically targeting healthcare facilities in Gaza and destroying vital infrastructure. The World Health Organization (WHO) representative for the West Bank and Gaza, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, has stated that the health sector is being "systematically dismantled" through the destruction of medical supplies, equipment, and personnel. This has resulted in a dire shortage of vital supplies and the inability to provide adequate healthcare services to the people of Gaza.
Numerous hospitals have been directly attacked and damaged by Israeli forces, causing them to cease operations. For instance, the al-Nasser Children's Hospital was hit by an Israeli strike, and Israel bombed al-Shifa hospital's solar panels. The Indonesian Hospital has been persistently targeted, with Israeli forces destroying the Noura al-Kaabi specialized dialysis centre and later attacking the hospital with drones and tanks. Al-Quds Hospital was also warned to evacuate and sustained damage from Israeli attacks, causing it to shut down most services. The Kamal Adwan Hospital, North Gaza's main healthcare facility, is among the latest casualties.
In addition to physical damage, hospitals have also been affected by the evacuation of staff and patients due to Israeli warnings and the fear of attacks. Al Ahli Arab Hospital, the last fully functional hospital in Gaza City, was "completely destroyed" according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, leading to the displacement of patients and staff. Israeli forces have defended their actions by claiming that hospitals are being used by Hamas for military purposes, such as hiding militants and weapons. However, these claims have been disputed, and international legal experts argue that the strikes put the already fragile healthcare system in Gaza at further risk.
The destruction of hospitals and vital infrastructure has had severe consequences for the people of Gaza. The lack of access to medical care has resulted in life-threatening situations, with patients requiring specialized treatment unable to receive the necessary help. The displacement of medical staff and the disruption of healthcare services have made it challenging for those in need of medical attention to receive timely and adequate treatment. This has particularly impacted pregnant women, who face obstacles in accessing care due to overwhelmed hospitals and dangerous travel conditions.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with the health system on the brink of collapse. The systematic destruction of hospitals and vital infrastructure by Israeli forces has compounded the health crisis and made it increasingly difficult for humanitarian organizations to provide essential medical services to the people of Gaza.
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Shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and personnel
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has resulted in a dire situation in Gaza, with hospitals and medical facilities bearing the brunt of the violence. The World Health Organization (WHO) representative for the West Bank and Gaza, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, has painted a grim picture of the situation, with the health sector being systematically dismantled due to shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and personnel.
The shortages of medical supplies and equipment in Gaza have reached a critical level. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of medical equipment supplies have run out, with 64% of medical equipment and 43% of essential medicines at "stock zero". Basic medications such as antibiotics, pain killers, and drugs for chronic diseases are in short supply or completely unavailable. The situation is further exacerbated by the blockade imposed by Israeli authorities, which has significantly hindered the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams in the Gaza Strip have been unable to bring medical supplies into the region since April, and their facilities are facing critical shortages of essential medicines and equipment. The closure of the Rafah border crossing and the congestion at the Kerem Shalom entry point have dramatically impacted the delivery of humanitarian assistance. MSF has warned that without a significant refill of medical supplies, they may have to stop or reduce their medical activities in Gaza.
The shortage of medical personnel in Gaza is also a pressing issue. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the death of more than 1,000 healthcare workers since October 2023, according to Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan from Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Hospitals and medical facilities have become battlegrounds, with the WHO verifying 654 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza since October 2023, resulting in 886 fatalities and 1,349 injuries among medical staff. The constant threat of violence has made it extremely difficult for healthcare professionals to carry out their duties, and many have been arrested, interrogated, or forced to evacuate, further diminishing the already scarce medical personnel in the region.
The combination of shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and personnel has had a devastating impact on the health system in Gaza. Hospitals have become overwhelmed with casualties, and patients are often treated in unsafe and unhygienic conditions. The lack of access to basic medications and equipment has led to life-changing injuries and avoidable deaths. The situation is further compounded by the displacement of nearly 2 million Palestinians, who are forced to live in appalling conditions, making them more susceptible to diseases and health issues.
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Inability to access medical services
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has severely impacted the region's healthcare system, causing widespread disruption and destruction of vital medical infrastructure. This has resulted in a significant inability for civilians to access essential medical services, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Before the war, the Gaza Strip maintained a robust and functional healthcare system, despite the blockade. However, the escalation of conflict since October 2023 has led to a worsening situation. Airstrikes and attacks on hospitals, coupled with shortages of medical supplies, food, water, and fuel have depleted an already strained system. The World Health Organization (WHO) representative for the West Bank and Gaza, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, warned that the health sector is being "systematically dismantled."
The inability to access medical services is evident in the closure of hospitals and the disruption of vital infrastructure. As of May 2025, only 19 of Gaza's 36 hospitals remain operational, and even those functioning hospitals struggle with severe supply shortages and lack of staff. Hospitals operating beyond capacity, with an influx of patients and displaced civilians seeking shelter, further hinders access to medical care. The destruction of water and sanitation systems has also heightened the risk of diseases in the Strip.
The situation is dire for pregnant women, who face significant challenges in accessing prenatal and postnatal care. They are often forced to navigate unsafe routes and give birth in tents or public facilities due to overwhelmed hospitals and the dangers of reaching medical facilities. The lack of access to maternal and newborn care, as well as treatment for chronic conditions, poses a severe threat to the health and well-being of women and children.
The impact of the healthcare collapse extends beyond physical injuries. Doctors have reported increasing malnutrition among the population, including children. The risk of starvation is prevalent, with stockpiles of food dwindling and aid distribution facing challenges. The closure of communal soup kitchens has further exacerbated food insecurity. The inability to access adequate nutrition and the prevalence of malnutrition add to the overall inability to access essential medical services, encompassing both physical and nutritional health needs.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands urgent attention and intervention. The protection of hospitals and healthcare workers, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid and adherence to international humanitarian law, are paramount to restoring access to medical services for the people of Gaza.
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Lack of food, water, and medicine
The situation in Gaza has been described as ""catastrophic"" by doctors, with food, water, and medicine shortages causing a surge of preventable illnesses and deaths. The Israeli blockade has made it difficult to get food into the region, with the Food and Agriculture Organization stating that distributing food in northern Gaza is a challenge as it is "barely accessible". Families in the Jabalia refugee camp have reported being so hungry that they have resorted to eating scraps, leaves, and even their horses.
The lack of clean water is also a critical issue, with people having to wait in line for hours to access it and being unable to shower regularly. This has led to an increased risk of disease, with sewage flooding the streets in some areas. The situation is particularly dire for children, with nearly all 1.1 million children in Gaza—about half of the population—in urgent need of food. Many are surviving on just one meal a day, and the lack of nutrition is impacting their physical and mental health.
The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, with only 16-17 of the region's 36 hospitals remaining partially operational. The shortage of medical supplies and personnel has led to amputations and C-sections being performed without anesthetic. The head of nephrology at Al-Shifa Hospital, Dr. Ghazi al-Yazji, has had to cut dialysis sessions for his patients due to medication shortages, which will cause toxins to build up in their bodies.
Humanitarian groups are raising alarms about the situation, with the United Nations humanitarian chief stating that famine in Gaza is an "immediate, clear, and present danger". The World Health Organization has also warned that the protection of hospitals during warfare must be respected by all sides, with over 1,000 healthcare workers killed since October 2023.
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International Criminal Court's warrants for arrests of Israeli officials
Gaza's health system is on the brink of collapse, with hospitals becoming battlegrounds. More than 1,000 healthcare workers have been killed since October 2023, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has verified 654 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza during this period, resulting in 886 fatalities and 1,349 injuries. The Israeli blockade has resulted in nearly half of all hospitals being out of service due to shortages of fuel and power, and medical supplies.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials in connection with the situation in Palestine. On 21 November 2024, the ICC issued warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, and Yoav Gallant, the former Minister of Defense of Israel. The warrants allege responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza war, including the starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare, murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. The ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas military commander, Mohammed Deif, however, this was cancelled following confirmation of his death in January 2025.
The warrants were issued after the ICC rejected challenges by Israel regarding its jurisdiction. The ICC found that it could exercise jurisdiction based on the territorial jurisdiction of Palestine. The Palestinian Authority praised the decision, stating that it "restores hope and confidence in international law and its institutions". However, Israel has rejected the charges, with the Israeli Prime Minister's office calling the warrants "antisemitic".
The warrants have sparked mixed reactions from the international community. Countries like Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey have expressed their support for the ICC's decision and pledged to comply with their obligations under the Rome Statute. Meanwhile, the Israeli government has faced criticism from various quarters, including Hamas, which welcomed the warrants as an "important step towards justice". The future of these warrants remains uncertain, and it is unclear if the accused will be apprehended and brought to trial.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with civilians facing life-threatening situations due to the destruction of hospitals and vital infrastructure. The international community's response to the ICC warrants and the ongoing conflict will significantly impact the lives of those affected by the crisis.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but the situation is critical. As of May 2025, only 19 of Gaza's 36 hospitals remain operational, and they are struggling with severe supply shortages, a lack of health workers, persistent insecurity, and a surge of casualties.
The health system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. Hospitals have become battlegrounds, with over 654 verified attacks on healthcare facilities since October 2023, resulting in 886 fatalities and 1,349 injuries.
The collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza is due to a combination of factors, including Israeli military operations, shortages of medical supplies and fuel, evacuation orders, and the destruction of vital infrastructure such as water and sanitation systems.
The impact has been devastating. Over 100,000 people have been wounded, and there are severe obstacles for pregnant women trying to access care. There is also a risk of starvation, with many Gazans going hungry and doctors reporting increasing malnutrition.
Various organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors Without Borders, and the Red Cross, have been working to provide support and aid. The restoration of facilities like Al-Shifa and Nasser Medical Complex showcases the region's ability to rebuild. However, a ceasefire and increased protection for health services are needed to ensure sustainable progress.
