Tessa Quinn
Hospitals in Palestine are facing a dire situation due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other human rights entities have reported attacks on healthcare facilities, staff, and patients, causing severe disruptions to essential medical services. As of May 2025, only 19 out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip remain operational, with many others damaged or destroyed. The conflict has resulted in mass population displacement, shortages of food and water, and a dire humanitarian crisis, with rights groups accusing Israel of wrecking the Palestinian health system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hospitals in Palestine | Palestine Red Crescent Society Hospital, Jerusalem, St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group, Jerusalem, St. Joseph's Hospital, Jerusalem, Ahli Hospital, Hebron, West Bank, Al-Hussein Governmental Hospital, Beit Jala, Al-Istishari Arab Hospital, Ramallah, Al-Meezan Specialized Hospital, Hebron, Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation, Bethlehem, Bethlehem Hospital for Psychiatric and Psychological, Bethlehem, Jericho Governmental Hospital, Martyr Dr. Thabet Thabet Government Hospital, Tulkarm, Martyr Yasser Arafat Governmental Hospital, Salfit, Palestine Medical Complex, Ramallah, Kamal Adwan Hospital, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, European Gaza Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital, Al-Shifa Hospital, Nasser Hospital |
| Hospitals damaged or destroyed in Palestine | Al-Shifa Hospital, Nasser Hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, European Gaza Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital |
| Hospitals that suspended medical services | Kamal Adwan Hospital, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, European Gaza Hospital |
| Hospitals remaining operational in Gaza | 19 out of 36 |
| Hospitals providing a variety of health services | 12 out of 19 |
| Hospitals providing only basic emergency care | 7 out of 19 |
| Hospitals damaged or destroyed in the Gaza Strip | 94% |
| Hospitals in North Gaza | Al-Awda Hospital (minimally functional) |
| Hospitals captured by Israel | European Gaza Hospital |
| Hospitals with tunnels underneath | European Gaza Hospital |
| Organizations involved in providing aid to Palestine | WHO, UN, EU, MAP |
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What You'll Learn
Hospitals in Palestine are under attack
WHO has recorded 28 attacks on healthcare in Gaza in a given period and 697 attacks since October 2023. Several hospitals in Gaza, including Kamal Adwan Hospital, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, and European Gaza Hospital, have had to suspend medical services due to their proximity to hostilities or evacuation zones. Only 19 of the 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip remain operational, and they are struggling with severe supply shortages, a lack of health workers, persistent insecurity, and a surge of casualties.
There have been numerous reports of Israeli attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Palestine. For example, an Israeli air attack on Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir el-Balah killed five people and wounded 65. Tents of displaced people caught fire while they were sleeping. The Indonesian Hospital in North Gaza was put out of service following repeated attacks by Israeli forces, and the Noura al-Kaabi Specialized Dialysis Centre at the hospital was destroyed. Al-Awda Hospital in Gaza was forced to temporarily close after a four-day siege by Israeli forces, during which staff and patients had to take cover under tables and beds as bullets and shelling smashed windows.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, UNRWA, and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) have reported the deaths of their medical personnel. MSF has also reported strikes, raids, and incursions on their medical facilities and staff in Palestine. The Palestine Red Crescent has demanded "accountability for this war crime."
The attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Palestine are considered a violation of international laws and are listed as war crimes. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for an investigation into the attack on an ambulance near al-Shafa Hospital as a possible war crime. The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, stated that "Protected sites under international human rights law and international humanitarian law have been bombed and attacked."
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The impact of Israeli military operations
The intensified military operations have threatened an already fragile health system, exacerbated by mass population displacement, and shortages of food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and shelter. Hospitals that have suspended operations include Kamal Adwan Hospital, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, and European Gaza Hospital. These hospitals were forced to cease operations due to their proximity to conflict zones and attacks. The Indonesian Hospital, in particular, has been inaccessible due to a continued military presence.
The impact of the Israeli military's operations extends beyond the physical structures of hospitals. The limited healthcare system has prevented timely treatment for those with trauma injuries, resulting in preventable deaths. More than 500 medical professionals have lost their lives in Gaza since October 2023, according to the Ministry of Health of the State of Palestine. The Al Shifa Medical Complex, raided twice by the Israeli military, was left in ruins, with three mass graves discovered on the premises, raising concerns about potential war crimes.
The destruction of hospitals and healthcare infrastructure has severe consequences for the population's health and well-being. Women, especially pregnant women, have been gravely affected, facing increased risks during childbirth due to a lack of adequate pre- and post-natal care. The limited number of remaining hospitals struggle with severe supply shortages, staff shortages, insecurity, and a constant influx of casualties. The situation has been described as a "human rights catastrophe" by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who emphasized the need for urgent international action to protect civilians.
The Israeli military's actions have led to strong accusations from rights groups and foreign governments, including allegations of genocide. While Israel has denied these accusations, the systematic destruction and targeting of hospitals highlight a disregard for civilian life and the fundamental principle of protecting healthcare facilities during conflict. The impact of Israeli military operations on Palestinian hospitals has had far-reaching consequences, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation and causing immeasurable suffering.
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Hospitals in Gaza: a human rights catastrophe
The ongoing conflict in Palestine has had a devastating impact on hospitals in Gaza, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, declaring it a "human rights catastrophe". The situation has been characterised by targeted attacks on hospitals, healthcare workers, and patients, resulting in a severe disruption of essential healthcare services for the Palestinian population.
As of May 2025, Israel's intensified military operations and expansion of its ground campaign have further threatened the already fragile health system in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in mass population displacement, shortages of food and water, and a lack of medical supplies, fuel, and shelter. This has had a direct impact on the functioning of hospitals in Gaza, with many struggling to provide even basic emergency care.
Out of the 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip, only 19 remain operational as of May 2025. Four major hospitals, including Kamal Adwan Hospital, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, and European Gaza Hospital, have suspended medical services due to their proximity to conflict zones and attacks. The remaining hospitals are facing severe supply shortages, a lack of healthcare workers, and a constant influx of casualties.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 697 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza since October 2023, with 28 attacks occurring in the week of May 22, 2025. These attacks have resulted in fatalities and injuries, and damage to hospital infrastructure. Al-Awda Hospital in North Gaza, for example, has been attacked multiple times, injuring staff members and damaging essential facilities like the water tank and pipeline.
The conflict has also led to accusations of Israel's disregard for civilian life and the deliberate destruction of the healthcare system in Gaza. Rights groups and foreign governments have accused Israel of engaging in genocide by targeting hospitals and disrupting healthcare services. The Israeli military's capture of a hospital compound in southern Gaza and the discovery of a tunnel underneath a hospital have further fueled these accusations.
The situation in Gaza's hospitals is dire, with healthcare workers risking their lives to provide care amidst challenging and dangerous circumstances. The UN Security Council has debated the collapse of health services and called for increased humanitarian aid, expedited evacuations, and adherence to international humanitarian law. The protection of hospitals and healthcare workers during times of conflict is paramount, and the ongoing situation in Gaza highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and improved access to healthcare for the Palestinian population.
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The EU's response to the crisis
The EU has responded to the crisis in Palestine by mobilising its crisis response tools to channel medical aid to Gaza. This includes the use of EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flights to deliver medical aid and increased funding to humanitarian partners. The EU has also issued statements condemning the attacks on medical and civilian infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank, and emphasising the mandatory protection of civilians under International Humanitarian Law.
However, the EU has been criticised for its hypocrisy in continuing to supply weapons used in the conflict and failing to exert political, economic, and diplomatic pressure on Israel to stop the assault and open Gaza's border crossings to unhindered humanitarian aid. Organisations like Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access, and respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of medical staff and facilities.
In addition to providing humanitarian aid, the EU can play a crucial role in advocating for a ceasefire and holding Israel accountable for its actions. By leveraging its political, economic, and diplomatic influence, the EU can pressure Israel to respect international law and protect civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.
Furthermore, the EU can support investigations into alleged war crimes and human rights violations by both Israel and Palestine. This includes incidents where hospitals have been targeted, as well as allegations of Hamas using hospitals for military purposes, which must be thoroughly examined while upholding the presumption of innocence. The EU can also provide assistance to help rebuild damaged hospitals and strengthen the Palestinian healthcare system to make it more resilient in the face of ongoing conflicts.
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The future of Palestine's healthcare system
The Palestinian healthcare system faces significant challenges, including physical and administrative constraints, fiscal constraints, and a weak economy. The World Bank reports that the Palestinian economy is expected to underperform, with income per capita stagnating and negatively impacting living standards. This has direct consequences for the healthcare system, as it hinders access to healthcare and affects the population's health. The high prices charged by private and NGO hospitals further strain the system, and the complex process of obtaining medical referrals outside of Palestine adds to the challenges.
The public health system in Palestine struggles to serve its large population due to insufficient infrastructure. The Israeli and Egyptian blockade of Gaza has resulted in critical shortages of medical equipment, drugs, and protective gear. The ongoing conflict has left hospitals and clinics in disrepair, and restrictions on goods make rebuilding difficult. Electricity and water shortages also impact the healthcare sector, with intermittent power supplies in Gaza and the West Bank.
To improve the future outlook, there are several policy recommendations suggested by stakeholders. These include integrating health equity into policy frameworks, strengthening the leadership of the Ministry of Health, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, reforming the health insurance system, and fostering community awareness and advocacy for health equity. Additionally, improving coordination between Israeli and Palestinian authorities is crucial, especially regarding the movement of patients and the timely access to care and medical equipment.
The current situation in Palestine, with the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, has stretched the healthcare system thin. The shortage of hospital beds, ICU beds, medical staff, and ventilators, coupled with unpredictable electrical outages, poses significant challenges to providing lifesaving medical care. The future of Palestine's healthcare system depends on addressing these immediate concerns and implementing structural reforms to enhance health equity and access.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are still hospitals in Palestine, but the health system is at a breaking point. As of May 2025, 19 out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are operational, with 12 providing a variety of health services and the rest offering only basic emergency care. Hospitals that are still functioning include St. Joseph's Hospital, Jerusalem, Ahli Hospital, Hebron, and Al-Hussein Governmental Hospital, Beit Jala.
Hospitals in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, are facing immense challenges due to intensified military operations, mass population displacement, and shortages of food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and shelter. They are struggling with severe supply shortages, a lack of healthcare workers, persistent insecurity, and a surge of casualties. Rights groups and foreign governments have accused Israel of wrecking the Palestinian health system, which Israel strongly denies.
The European Union has called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and full humanitarian access. The EU has also mobilized crisis response tools, including sending humanitarian flights carrying medical aid and increasing funding to humanitarian partners. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively involved in providing support and trying to reach hospitals despite challenges. A long-term solution requires a ceasefire and increased protection for health services to enable the restoration of facilities and hope for the future.
