WHO: Palestinians in Gaza are afraid to go to hospitals

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the serious deterioration in health conditions in the Gaza Strip, in light of the stifling blockade imposed on the Strip for nearly two months, and the prevention of the entry of humanitarian and medical aid.

Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the organization, said in a statement today, “The health situation in Gaza is catastrophic, and we are very close to the abyss.” She noted that the health risks facing the population are worsening by the day due to the shortage of basic supplies.

She emphasized that Palestinians in Gaza are deprived of the basic necessities of life, including food, clean water, and shelter, in addition to the inaccessibility of healthcare. She noted that Palestinians are afraid even to go to the hospital, as many of them have been targeted.

Harris noted that doctors and nurses are suffering from a lack of all the necessary supplies to help the wounded.  She explained that there are currently 21 hospitals and four field hospitals in Gaza, but none of them have sufficient bed capacity to meet the needs. She explained that for this reason, hospitals are often forced to quickly send patients home before they have fully recovered in order to receive new patients.