RAMALLAH, Sunday, October 15, 2023 (WAFA) – Health Minister Mai Alkaila announced today that the number of Palestinians killed as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has risen to 2,329, with about 9,500 injured.
During a press conference in Ramallah, Al-Kaila said that these numbers are not final, noting that there are large numbers of victims still under the rubble of their homes that were bombed by Israeli warplanes.
“Attempts to rescue them, despite the lack of capabilities, are underway,” she stated.
She affirmed that a number of medical personnel were either killed or injured in the aggression. The accurate statistics about their number are not yet available due to the current situation, she noted.
The minister pointed out that 23 ambulances were bombed, whereas the total number of attacks on health personnel reached 76 attacks.
“Beit Hanoun Hospital has been out of health service since the second day of the aggression, in addition to Al-Durra Hospital, which has become inoperable as a result of the internationally prohibited white phosphorus fired by Israeli warplanes against it, she said, affirming that all hospitals in Gaza are suffering from a severe shortage of various medical supplies.
Al-Kila said that all health supplies and medicines have been prepared in order to bring them into the Gaza Strip, but so far the occupation authorities have refused to allow their entry.
She pointed out that there are 1,400 patients in need of kidney dialysis, noting that, under the current circumstances, they are unable to reach hospitals that are also suffering from a shortage of medicines they need.
Additionally, she said, cancer patients’ lack access to treatment, adding that most of them are receiving treatment in West Bank hospitals, stressing that the continuation of the aggression against the Strip means further aggravating their health conditions.
She added that there are 5,500 pregnant women waiting to give birth this month out of 50,000 pregnant women in the Gaza Strip, noting that it is risky for them to give birth safely in light of the continuing aggression.
Al-Kaila warned of the possibility of epidemics and diseases spreading as a result of water shortages and massive population overcrowding.
She called on the international community to take immediate action to protect health institutions and personnel, and to put pressure on the occupation authorities to bring in medicines and health supplies.
A.D./T.R.
