UN Warns of Extreme Distress in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Conflict

News Desk
United Nations: UN humanitarian officials have issued grave warnings about the dire situation in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli bombardments since October 7 have left the population in extreme distress. Hospitals are overwhelmed, temperatures are soaring, and there is a severe lack of basic necessities like food and clean water.
According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic, 34 people have died from malnutrition and dehydration.
Severe Malnutrition
In Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, 60 cases of severe acute malnutrition were reported last week alone. Jasarevic highlighted the vicious cycle of malnutrition reducing immunity, especially among the vulnerable elderly and children, making them more susceptible to diseases. Despite these challenges, health workers continue to return to their facilities when it is safe to do so, striving to provide essential services.
Limited Functionality of Hospitals
Out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals, only 13 are partially functioning. On a positive note, hundreds of Gazans sought help at a newly reopened UN health center in Khan Younis, which had been severely damaged and forced to close due to heavy fighting. The UNRWA Japanese Health Center now offers primary healthcare services, including pre and post-natal care, blood tests, and treatment for non-communicable diseases.
Healthcare Struggles Amidst Destruction
Louise Wateridge, UNRWA Senior Communications Officer, emphasized the desperate need for healthcare in Gaza, noting that less than one-third of UNRWA health centers are operational. On its first day back, the Japanese Health Center treated over 900 patients. However, referrals to hospitals are increasingly complex due to electricity shortages and lack of supplies.
Mental Health Support Constraints
The UN agency has established 100 temporary medical points and eight out of 26 functional health centers. As of June 26, UNRWA provided mental health and psychosocial support services, assisting 626 cases through individual consultations and offering awareness sessions and support for gender-based violence cases.
Severe Hospital Bed Shortages
The total capacity at the six partially functional hospitals in southern Gaza is only 1,334 beds. WHO reported that out of 11 field hospitals in Gaza, three have temporarily shut down and four are only partially functioning. The destruction of hospital infrastructure is so severe that rebuilding will be a lengthy process once the conflict ends.
Medical Supply Shortages
WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that recent evacuation orders in Gaza City will further impede lifesaving care. Hospitals like Al-Ahli and Patient Friendly are out of service, and others like the Indonesian Hospital are operating far beyond capacity. The lack of medical supplies and fuel is critical, with six medical points and two primary health care centers within evacuation zones.
Desperate Need for Medical Evacuations
Jasarevic stressed the urgent need for opening all border crossings into Gaza to enable medical evacuations. Over 10,000 people require specialized medical care outside of Gaza, and the flow of medical relief has been halted. Within a week, patients and medical staff have evacuated three hospitals in southern Gaza due to intensified military activities.
The ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on Gaza’s healthcare system underscore the urgent need for international intervention and humanitarian aid.