Gaza’s Health System Teeters as Essential Medical Supplies Are Blocked During Ceasefire

Gaza’s Healthcare System On The Brink

Nearly two months into a fragile ceasefire, Gaza’s healthcare system remains on the verge of collapse after sustained bombardment and a severe restriction of medical aid during the recent offensive. Medical staff warn they cannot treat the wounded or manage chronic illnesses because many essential items are not being allowed into the territory.

Critical Shortages and Blocked Supplies

Physicians and health officials say consumer goods such as sweets, mobile phones and electric bicycles have been permitted through crossings while antibiotics, IV solutions and surgical supplies are denied. "We are facing a situation in which 54 percent of essential medicines are unavailable, and 40 percent of the drugs for surgeries and emergency care — the very medications we rely on to treat the wounded — are missing," Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director general of Gaza’s Ministry of Health, told Al Jazeera.

"Only five trucks carrying medical supplies enter Gaza each week," the ministry reports. Three trucks deliver goods to international organisations such as the UN and its partners, and two go to government-run hospitals.

Wider Humanitarian Impacts

That throughput is a tiny fraction of what health officials say is required, affecting civilian life across the enclave. Local reporting cites about 600 recorded ceasefire violations over the two-month period. "At least 600 trucks should be entering the Gaza Strip every single day, but what is entering is very little," Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary reported from Gaza City.

Essential civilian supplies are also in short supply: cooking gas is reported at only 16 percent of the level needed, and there is a severe lack of shelters, tents and tarpaulins ahead of seasonal rain. Residents have been forced to collect wood, cardboard and other materials to cook and keep warm.

People With Chronic Conditions Suffer

Patients with long-term illnesses are particularly affected. Naif Musbah, 68, a resident of the Nuseirat refugee camp with colon cancer, described the daily reality: "I need colostomy bases and bags so I can attach them to the stomach and the device in order to be able to pass stools. They are not available... There’s also no gauze, cold packs, adhesive tape, gloves or disinfectant solution — nothing." Without these supplies, individuals and families must improvise, often at considerable cost to dignity and health.

Damaged Infrastructure And Staff Losses

Over more than two years of conflict, nearly all of Gaza’s hospitals and health facilities have been affected. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports at least 125 health facilities — including 34 hospitals — were damaged, and more than 1,700 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, have been killed. The combined impact of damaged infrastructure, lost staff and restricted supplies has left the medical system fragile and struggling to meet basic needs.

What Medical Teams Are Doing

Medical teams are improvising with limited resources, and families search for rudimentary items to ease patient suffering. Humanitarian organisations continue to call for increased, unimpeded shipments of medical and civilian supplies to meet urgent needs across Gaza.