Geneva - (Saba):
UNICEF spokesperson Kazem Abu Khalaf confirmed that medical personnel in the Gaza Strip are operating under extreme pressure, amid a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies, in addition to power outages and a shortage of fuel needed to operate medical equipment in hospitals.
In a statement published on the organization's official website on Saturday, Abu Khalaf said that the United Nations is not demanding the impossible in the Gaza Strip, but rather the implementation of international law, which guarantees civilians the right to treatment, life, and movement.
He added, "If Gaza is left in this situation, we are facing a humanitarian catastrophe whose effects will be felt for decades."
He pointed out that critical cases of children, women, and the elderly are dying daily due to their inability to receive adequate medical care.
He explained that the situation cannot be fixed with aid alone, but rather requires a comprehensive plan to rebuild the economy and operate and open the crossings on a stable basis that allows the entry of goods, fuel, and medical supplies.
Abu Khalaf added that the health system in the Gaza Strip has almost completely collapsed due to the ongoing Israeli bombardment and blockade.
He pointed out that the number of hospitals operating in the Strip before the war was 36, but this number has decreased to only about 18, most of which are operating at a partial capacity of no more than 50%.
He stated that more than 10,500 wounded Palestinians need to leave the Gaza Strip for urgent treatment abroad, but the rate of discharges is only two cases per day.
Abu Khalaf continued, "If the situation continues like this, we will need more than 13 years to complete the discharge of all wounded for treatment."
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