Gaza’s healthcare system, already severely strained, is now on the brink of collapse. Blood banks are running out of supplies, and Israeli forces continue to target medical facilities that house patients and displaced families. At the same time, an ongoing aid blockade exacerbates the crisis, leaving the population in dire need of assistance.
Healthcare officials in Gaza reported a critical shortage of blood, with many potential donors too malnourished to qualify for donations due to the severe hunger crisis caused by Israeli actions. This crisis has already resulted in 193 Palestinian deaths, including five in the past 24 hours. Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud highlighted the urgent need for blood donations across remaining operational hospitals, such as al-Shifa, Al-Aqsa, and Nasser Hospitals.
Many individuals who arrive at blood banks are unable to donate because they suffer from dehydration and starvation, which compromises both their health and the quality of any blood they might provide. Amani Abu Ouda, head of the blood bank at al-Shifa Hospital, explained that some donors lose consciousness shortly after donating, risking their lives and wasting valuable blood units.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that over 14,800 patients in Gaza require urgent specialized medical care. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the international community to act swiftly, calling for more countries to accept patients and expedite medical evacuations through all available routes.
Israeli attacks have continued to cause significant casualties. On Wednesday alone, at least 38 people were killed, including 10 aid seekers who were shot while approaching UN aid trucks and distribution sites operated by the U.S.-backed GHF. Since GHF began operations in late May, over 1,560 Palestinians seeking aid have been killed by Israeli forces.
A group of UN special rapporteurs and independent human rights experts recently called for the disbanding of GHF, accusing it of exploiting humanitarian relief for covert military and geopolitical purposes, which they claim violates international law.
Israel’s military operations have also devastated Gaza’s agricultural sector, leaving its population almost entirely dependent on aid. A recent report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the UN satellite centre revealed that only 8.6% of Gaza’s cropland remains accessible, with just 1.5% undamaged.
Hamas has called for global protests against the ongoing starvation in Gaza, urging demonstrations outside Zionist and U.S. embassies. Meanwhile, Israel’s blockade extends to essential medical supplies and fuel, leading to the closure of several hospitals in recent months.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, warned that the lack of fuel entering Gaza is jeopardizing lifesaving operations. He noted that the UN collected only 300,000 liters of fuel from the Kerem Shalom crossing in the past two days—far below what is needed. Health workers have warned that over 100 premature babies are in imminent danger due to the fuel shortage.
Since March, more than 100 health professionals, including surgeons and specialists, have been denied entry into the Gaza Strip.
As tensions escalate, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce further military action, potentially including a full reoccupation of Gaza. Analysts warn that the ongoing offensive and blockade are pushing the territory’s 2 million residents toward famine.
The UN has expressed deep concern over reports of an expanded military operation in Gaza, describing them as “deeply alarming.” Despite calls for a ceasefire, mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas have failed, raising fears of further devastation in densely populated areas.
“Where will we go?” asked Tamer al-Burai, a displaced resident in central Gaza. “Should we jump into the sea if tanks roll in, or wait to die under the rubble of our homes? We want an end to this war; it is enough.”
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 61,158 Palestinians, including at least 18,430 children, have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023. Meanwhile, 49 hostages, including 27 believed dead, remain in Hamas custody, according to Israeli authorities.
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