Tessa Quinn
The functioning of hospitals in Gaza has been a cause for concern for several international organizations, including the WHO, the European Commission, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations. Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, but Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals and medical centers for military activities, which Hamas has denied. As of June 2025, fewer than half of Gaza's hospitals are running, and those operational are doing so at limited capacity. The Al-Awda hospital, the last functioning hospital in North Gaza, was declared out of service in June 2025, and the staff and patients were forced to evacuate. In August 2024, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, the main hospital serving central Gaza, was emptied out due to fears of being caught in the crossfire or becoming a target of a raid. The WHO and its partners have been providing fuel to the Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are cut off from aid. The situation in Gaza's hospitals is critical, and international intervention is urgently needed to ensure the delivery of critical aid and the protection of civilians and healthcare workers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals in Gaza | 36 |
| Number of functioning hospitals in Gaza | 16 (as of August 2024) |
| Number of hospitals in Northern Gaza | 24 |
| Number of functioning hospitals in Northern Gaza | 7 (as of January 2024) |
| Number of hospitals in Southern Gaza | 12 |
| Number of functioning hospitals in Southern Gaza | 7 (as of January 2024) |
| Hospitals in Gaza damaged or destroyed | 31 (as of May 2024) |
| Hospitals in Gaza providing partial services | 17 (as of June 2025) |
| Hospitals in Gaza that are non-functional | 19 (as of June 2025) |
| Hospitals in Gaza facing growing threats | Al-Shifa Hospital, Al-Amal Hospital, Al-Kheir Hospital, Nasser Medical Complex |
| Hospitals in Gaza invaded by Israeli forces | Al-Awda Hospital, European Hospital, Al-Ahli Hospital, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Al-Awda hospital in Gaza was evacuated and deemed out of service in 2025
- Gaza's health system is on the brink of collapse, with fewer than half of hospitals running
- Israeli military assaults on hospitals in Gaza have increased, bringing the health system to breaking point
- Hospitals in Gaza are protected under international humanitarian law, but Israel claims Hamas uses them for military activities
- The EU has mobilised crisis response tools to channel medical aid to Gaza
Al-Awda hospital in Gaza was evacuated and deemed out of service in 2025
Al-Awda Hospital provided essential basic medical care, including emergency services and specialised obstetric care for women in the area. Notably, it boasted the largest delivery room in the district and was the sole provider of fluoroscopy services. Beyond clinical care, the hospital also contributed to capacity-building by running training programs for nursing students in collaboration with local universities.
The events leading up to the hospital's evacuation and closure were marked by escalating tensions and violence. In the months and weeks preceding its closure, Al-Awda Hospital came under repeated attacks. In May 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert, reporting that medical staff at the hospital were under fire from snipers, and an artillery rocket had struck the fifth floor. Doctors Without Borders stated that after a four-day siege, the hospital was forced to close.
In the lead-up to its eventual closure, the hospital's director, Mohammed Salha, sent voice notes to the media, documenting the dire situation. He described the presence of Israeli tanks besieging the hospital and the constant gunfire in the vicinity. The Israeli army was accused of threatening to enter the hospital and kill everyone inside if they did not evacuate. While the IDF denied making direct threats, they justified their actions by claiming that the hospital was located in a combat zone adjacent to "terror infrastructure".
The closure of Al-Awda Hospital had severe repercussions for the local community. With its closure, North Gaza lost its last remaining functional hospital, leaving the population without critical healthcare services. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the British Red Cross warned that the health system in Gaza was on the brink of collapse, with fewer than half of its hospitals operational and those remaining functioning at limited capacity. This situation underscores the urgent need for intervention to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the region.
Carole Middleton's Support for Kate: Hospital Visit?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gaza's health system is on the brink of collapse, with fewer than half of hospitals running
Gaza's health system is on the brink of collapse, with fewer than half of its hospitals running. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other humanitarian groups have warned that the health system is being "systematically dismantled". The situation is especially dire in northern Gaza, where only seven out of 24 hospitals remain open and are only partially functioning. These hospitals face severe shortages of specialized doctors, medicines, and medical supplies.
The closure of hospitals in Gaza has been attributed to Israeli military assaults and missile strikes on the Gaza Strip's hospitals. Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, but Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals and medical centers for military activities, which Hamas has denied. As a result of these strikes, hospitals have been shut down, and those that remain open are overwhelmed by large numbers of wounded patients and face shortages of medical supplies.
The difficulty of importing and distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has further contributed to the stress on the health sector, with widespread hunger and disease outbreaks reported. The WHO and partners have had to complete high-risk missions to resupply fuel to hospitals, and even these missions have faced delays at checkpoints. The situation has led to calls for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians and healthcare workers.
The European Union has also expressed deep concern over the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza and has reiterated its calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and full humanitarian access. The EU has mobilized its crisis response tools to channel medical aid to Gaza and has increased its funding. However, the international community has been criticized for not doing enough to help.
The impact of the health system's collapse is devastating for the people of Gaza. Those with disabilities and chronic conditions have limited or no access to treatments and medicines they need. Patients are undergoing grossly inadequate medical treatments, and there are reports of surgeries being performed without anesthesia. The situation is so dire that patients are fleeing to Egypt for treatment, but even this option is becoming limited as Israel has closed crossings, blocking Palestinians from seeking healthcare outside of Gaza.
Flu Season: Hospitals Overwhelmed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Israeli military assaults on hospitals in Gaza have increased, bringing the health system to breaking point
Israeli military assaults on hospitals in Gaza have intensified, pushing the health system to the brink of collapse. The Israeli military has launched a campaign in Gaza, responding to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Since then, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 55,706 people, including more than 15,000 children.
The Israeli military's attacks on hospitals in Gaza have exacerbated the situation, with hospitals already struggling to function due to shortages of specialised doctors, medicines, and medical supplies. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the British Red Cross have warned that the health system is being ""systematically dismantled" and is ""on the brink of collapse". The Israeli military's actions have led to the closure of al-Awda hospital, previously considered the last functioning hospital in North Gaza. The closure of al-Awda has left the region without a functional hospital, severing critical healthcare access for the local population.
The Israeli military has justified its actions by claiming that Hamas uses hospitals and medical centres for military activities, which, if true, would be a violation of international humanitarian law. However, humanitarian groups, including the United Nations, have criticised the Israeli military for not providing sufficient evidence to support these claims and have called for independent investigations. Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, and attacking them may constitute a war crime.
The impact of the Israeli military's assaults on hospitals in Gaza has been devastating, with reports of patients being carried on stretchers and wheelchairs past rubble and bombed-out buildings to reach ambulances. The situation has been further exacerbated by the intensified military presence and hostilities in southern Gaza, which have obstructed the movement of health workers and ambulances, compromising access to healthcare for patients. The few remaining hospitals in Gaza are struggling to cope with the influx of wounded patients and face shortages of medical supplies, food, and clean water.
The attacks on hospitals in Gaza have brought the health system to the brink, with warnings from organisations like the WHO that the system is being systematically dismantled. The international community must act to hold accountable those responsible for the attacks and to provide support to ensure that the health system in Gaza can recover and meet the needs of the population.
RSV Treatment for Infants: Hospital Protocols and Care
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hospitals in Gaza are protected under international humanitarian law, but Israel claims Hamas uses them for military activities
International humanitarian law provides special protection to hospitals during wartime. However, this protection can be lost if hospitals are used to hide fighters, store weapons, or launch attacks. Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals as shields for fighters and conducting military operations from within them, specifically alleging that Hamas has tunnels and command centres underneath hospitals. In response, Hamas and hospital administrators have denied these claims and requested an international delegation to verify. Rights groups and foreign governments have also accused Israel of intentionally targeting the Palestinian health system, which Israel strongly denies.
The situation on the ground in Gaza is fluid and dangerous, with hospitals facing obstruction in the movement of health workers, ambulances, and the resupply of essential medical equipment. This has resulted in a shortage of specialised doctors, medicines, and medical supplies, further compromising the ability to provide adequate healthcare. The WHO has expressed extreme concern about the situation, calling for an immediate ceasefire, active protection of civilians, and sustained access for the delivery of critical aid.
The European Gaza Hospital, for example, has been out of service since 13 May due to Israeli airstrikes, and the nearby Nasser Medical Complex is also inaccessible. Al-Kheir Hospital, another NGO-run hospital in southern Gaza, is facing military incursions and the detention of health workers. These developments underscore the precarious state of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza, with limited access to essential services for those impacted by the conflict.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a complex situation where hospitals in Gaza are caught between the warring parties. While hospitals are meant to be protected under international humanitarian law, the allegations of military use by Hamas have added a layer of complexity. The priority remains to safeguard civilians and ensure their access to essential healthcare services during this challenging period.
The Dangerous Truth About Tide Pod Poisoning
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The EU has mobilised crisis response tools to channel medical aid to Gaza
Since the start of the conflict in Gaza, 31 out of 36 hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. The remaining hospitals are partially functioning and operating under severe limitations. Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, but Israel has claimed that Hamas uses hospitals and medical centers for military activities, which would open them to attack. Hamas has denied these claims, and humanitarian groups have called for independent investigations.
The EU has responded to the humanitarian crisis by mobilizing crisis response tools to channel medical aid to Gaza. This includes the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge, which delivers tons of medical aid, and increased funding to humanitarian partners. However, this support can only provide temporary relief. The EU is deeply concerned about the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza and the continuous attacks on healthcare in the West Bank, where over 50 health facilities and 300 ambulances have been deliberately damaged.
The situation in Gaza's hospitals is dire, with only partial services being provided and shortages of specialized doctors, medicines, and medical supplies. The few remaining hospitals face challenges in accessing patients and supplies due to hostilities. In southern Gaza, only 7 out of 12 hospitals remain partially functional, with two hospitals inaccessible and facing military incursions. The WHO has recorded a total of 890 attacks on health facilities since October 7, with 443 occurring in Gaza.
The EU's €120 million humanitarian aid package for Gaza in 2025 aims to support the functioning of healthcare facilities, provide medical supplies, and offer water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance. The EU will work with UN agencies and humanitarian partners to ensure swift delivery.
UH Referrals: Do You Need One for Hospitalization?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
As of June 2025, fewer than half of Gaza's hospitals are functioning, and those that are can only operate with limited capacity.
In June 2025, al-Awda was the last functioning hospital in North Gaza. However, it was declared out of service after the Israeli army threatened to enter and kill everyone inside if they did not evacuate.
As of January 2024, only 7 out of 12 hospitals in Southern Gaza remain partially functional. Two hospitals, Al-Kheir Hospital and Nasser Medical Complex, are minimally functional and inaccessible.
Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza, was damaged and remains out of service as of May 2024.
People in Gaza who need urgent medical care can seek treatment in hospitals in Egypt, Jordan, and other countries that have agreed to evacuate patients. However, in May 2024, Israel closed the Rafah crossing, blocking Palestinians from leaving Gaza to seek healthcare in Egypt.
