Dr. Munir al-Barsh, Director-General of Gaza’s Ministry of Health, issued a dire warning on Tuesday, stating that the territory’s healthcare infrastructure is on the brink of a total and “unprecedented collapse.” This catastrophe is a direct result of the tightening Israeli siege, which continues to block essential medical supplies despite existing ceasefire agreements.
Gaza’s health system is on the brink of collapse, with thousands at risk of death or disability amid a harsh Israeli siege on the besieged enclave, a top health official warns https://t.co/6B3umMRVSf pic.twitter.com/uHZrTA3bfQ
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 23, 2025
A System Under Siege
The Ministry reports that nearly 75% of essential medical supplies are currently unavailable. Facilities are facing critical shortages of:
- Surgical consumables and anesthetics
- Medical solutions and gauze
- Dialysis supplies
- Fuel for generators and consistent electrical power
“The situation is the most dangerous we have witnessed in over 30 years,” stated Dr. Al-Barsh. “The continued restriction of medical aid trucks is a direct violation of international agreements and is resulting in a horrific and preventable loss of life.”
Devastating Toll on Vulnerable Groups
The blockade is impacting more than just the war-wounded. Current health data indicates:
- 320,000 children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition.
- 40,000 pregnant women are living in substandard conditions, jeopardizing maternal and neonatal health.
- 4,000 glaucoma patients are at imminent risk of permanent blindness due to the absence of specialized medication.
The “Death List”: 20,000 Await Evacuation
The Ministry of Health has identified approximately 20,000 patients currently on waiting lists for overseas treatment. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved 18,500 of these cases, the complex security clearance mechanism imposed by Israeli authorities has created a deadly bottleneck.
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To date, 1,156 patients have died while waiting for permission to travel. Currently, 3,700 patients remain in critical condition, including a significant portion of the 4,300 children awaiting transfer.
Systematic Destruction of Medical Infrastructure
Over the past two years, the healthcare landscape in Gaza has been decimated:
- 125 health facilities have been damaged, including 34 hospitals.
- 1,700 health workers have been killed.
- 95 medical professionals remain in detention.
Urgent Appeal
The Ministry of Health demands the immediate and unconditional opening of all border crossings to allow for the free flow of humanitarian aid and the expedited evacuation of the thousands of patients whose lives hang in the balance. Every hour of delay results in further loss of life among the most vulnerable civilians.
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