NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 (WAFA) – The International Red Cross warned today that many medical facilities in Gaza are suffering from "extreme pressure" beyond their capacity following the recent Israeli strikes, while the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a shortage of medicines in the enclave. 

Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) colleagues were reporting that "many medical facilities are literally overwhelmed across Gaza", Tommaso Della Longa, spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said.

Della Longa said medical facilities were struggling with the number of patients and with the pressure on dwindling medical supplies.

"There are shortages of food, supplies and fuel," he said, noting that PRCS teams were assessing the impact of fuel shortages on ambulances and getting first responders to those in need.

He added that there is a shortage of medical equipment and medicines in hospitals and clinics, which makes it even more difficult to provide the necessary treatment to save lives.

Meanwhile, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic warned that medicine stocks were becoming depleted.

"Unfortunately, because of this shortage of medicines, there is a risk of health workers not being able to provide treatment for different medical conditions, not only for trauma injuries," he told reporters.

He added that many supplies are now running out, affirming that WHO had 16 trucks with medical supplies ready to enter Gaza, for which ceasefire and access were needed. 

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that its teams received a large influx of wounded at its field hospital, clinic, and Nasser Hospital.

"The types of injuries are extremely severe, ranging from amputations to complex orthopedic cases and burns," said Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, the organization's deputy medical coordinator in southern Gaza.

He added that hospitals are unable to cope with the large number of casualties they are receiving at once.

For her part, head of MSF's emergency department, Claire Nicolet, who is currently in Gaza, said it was absolutely terrifying for 20 minutes, with bombs falling everywhere.

A.D/M.N