Geneva, December 21, 2023, The latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO) paints a grim picture of the healthcare situation in Gaza as of December 19. Out of Gaza's 36 hospitals, only nine are partially functional, and those in the south are the only ones equipped for essential surgical procedures. These hospitals are operating at three times their capacity and facing severe shortages of basic supplies and fuel, according to WHO.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported alarming occupancy rates, with inpatient departments at 206% capacity and intensive care units operating at an overwhelming 250% capacity. Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in WHO's office for the West Bank and Gaza, emphasized that two hospitals in the south are operating at their maximum capacity of 200 beds, but the healthcare workforce is only 30% of the pre-conflict staff.
WHO has documented 483 attacks on hospitals in the occupied Palestinian territories, with 246 of them occurring in Gaza. These attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of 582 lives and injuries to 748 individuals. Sixty-one hospitals, including 26 out of 36 hospitals, and 76 ambulances have been affected by these attacks.
In the occupied West Bank, 251 attacks targeting healthcare facilities resulted in seven fatalities and 45 injuries. The attacks caused damage to 20 health facilities and 193 ambulances. Obstructing medical care accounted for 157 incidents, violence for 133 incidents, detention for 36 incidents, and ambulance inspections for 32 incidents.
WHO has appealed for a humanitarian ceasefire to ensure the resupply of remaining health facilities, provide vital medical services to the injured and chronically ill, and put an end to the devastating loss of lives. The death toll in Gaza has tragically reached 20,000, with 79% of the victims being women and children. Among them, 8,000 children have tragically lost their lives, and 52,500 others have been injured. In the occupied West Bank, 291 deaths were reported, with 30% of them being children. Additionally, 1.8 million people, including 1.4 million children, have been displaced, seeking refuge in UNRWA facilities and hospitals. WHO emphasizes the need to safeguard the humanitarian and health sector in Gaza following serious incidents during the transportation of patients and medical supplies.
