Death threatens the lives of thousands of Palestinian patients in Gaza as Israeli occupation tightens siege on the strip

The lives of thousands of Palestinians with chronic diseases are at risk in Gaza due to the sharp shortage of medicine and lack of treatment requirements inside the strip in the light of the Israeli siege, which has been continuous for 15 years, and because the Israeli occupation continues to prevent these patients from completing their medical treatment in the West Bank or abroad. This humanitarian suffering continues to exacerbate amid the deadly silence and inaction of the international community.

Human rights reports have documented the death of three thousand cancer patients in Gaza during the past five years as a result of the lack of treatment in the hospitals of the strip and because Israel had prevented them from travel for treatment.

 Thousands of patients with incurable diseases, particularly those with dialysis and blood diseases, are trying to get their treatment from the pharmacies of the hospitals of the strip, but to no avail, the reports said.

 According to Director of Al-Awda Hospital Ahmad Mhanna, the health situation in Gaza hospitals is very difficult as the Israeli occupation has tightened the siege on the Palestinians, which led to sharp shortage of medicines and vital medical equipment, thereby massively affecting the entire health system.

In addition, he pointed out, the destruction of many medical facilities has weakened the ability to provide medical services, including surgeries and medicine, especially to those with chronic diseases.

He called on the international community to take urgent action and send shipments of medicines and supplies to save the lives of the patients.

Hamda Mustafa