“UN Relief Chief Warns of Humanitarian Crisis as Gaza’s Health System Nears Collapse”
UN Relief Chief Griffiths provided a sobering assessment of the worsening situation in Gaza in a statement on Wednesday, highlighting the grave ramifications of a failing health system. Griffiths questioned the disastrous consequences, noting, “Pregnant ladies can’t deliver their babies safely. Vaccines cannot be given to children. The injured and ill are unable to receive care. Individuals pass away.”
He conveyed his profound grief and brought attention to the tragic death of four ambulance crew members from the Palestine Red Crescent who were killed in an Israeli bombardment while performing their duties. Griffiths underlined the necessity of putting an end to the fighting and urged all sides to abide by the laws of war and safeguard civilians, especially aid workers.
The ongoing heavy shelling in Gaza is causing deaths and extensive damage to vital civilian infrastructure, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). There is a potential that the health services in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah could collapse, which has prompted concerns about the areas north of Wadi Gaza being denied access.
Three hospitals’ activities are in danger of being closed as a result of the ongoing hostilities. With only one-fifth of the required beds available, access to basic health services is severely restricted. Many people lack access to essential healthcare since more than 75% of primary health centers are non-operational.
Due to substandard living conditions and inadequate facilities, 1.9 million internally displaced persons are at an increased risk of contracting infectious diseases, making the situation extremely serious. There are still operational issues, such as overcrowding, logistical problems, and material shortages, even with efforts to expand sanitary services.
The issue is exacerbated by the lack of water, as only 7% of the water produced prior to October 7th is available. The Ministry of Health in Gaza cites startling numbers of casualties: since the conflict began, 23,357 Palestinians have died and 59,410 have been wounded. There is an immediate need for a settlement to the ongoing situation, as assessments from both Palestinian and international sources indicate a disproportionate toll on women and children.