By: Hussein Nazir Al-Sinwar
GAZA, October 6, 2026 (WAFA) — Three years of war have left Gaza's health system struggling to survive, with hospitals damaged or operating partially, severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies, depleted medical staff, and thousands of patients awaiting evacuation for treatment abroad.
The crisis has placed immense pressure on patients suffering from war injuries, cancer, kidney failure, heart disease and other chronic conditions, while pregnant women and children face growing health risks amid the deterioration of medical and humanitarian services.
According to Dr. Ahmad al-Farra, director of Al-Tahrir Hospital at Nasser Medical Complex, only 22 of the 38 hospitals operating before the war remain functional. Bed capacity has fallen from about 3,950 to 2,637, while 62% of diagnostic imaging equipment is out of service. The number of doctors has also dropped by 34.6% to around 1,363.
Medicine shortages are equally severe. Some 44% of essential life-saving medicines are completely out of stock, while shortages affect anesthesia, insulin, intravenous fluids, chemotherapy drugs and other medical supplies. Critical services, including radiotherapy and open-heart surgery, have been suspended.
Medical evacuation remains a major concern. Al-Farra said 2,027 patients have died while awaiting approval to travel, while around 21,000 still need evacuation, including 5,803 children and about 2,800 cancer patients.
Cancer patients face shortages of diagnostic equipment, chemotherapy and other treatments, while around 700 kidney patients require dialysis three times a week amid shortages of essential supplies. Neonatal care has also been affected, with incubators falling from 162 to 122.
The World Health Organization says no hospital in Gaza is operating at full capacity, while thousands of patients require specialized treatment unavailable in the Strip. About 12,400 patients have been evacuated for treatment abroad since October 2023, but tens of thousands still require specialized care.
The Palestinian Red Crescent says damaged facilities, shortages of medicines and supplies, and growing humanitarian needs continue to place severe pressure on the health sector.
Health officials are calling for the opening of crossings, unrestricted entry of medicines and medical supplies, expanded medical evacuations, the entry of specialized medical teams, and the rehabilitation of damaged hospitals and health facilities.
After three years of war, Gaza's health system faces not only a shortage of resources but the risk of losing its ability to provide essential care to patients who cannot afford to wait.
K.T
