Gaza - Saba:
Dr. Mohammed Zaqout, Director General of Hospitals in the Gaza Strip, confirmed that the healthcare system in the region is on the brink of collapse, with a large number of hospitals rendered non-operational. Among the most significant losses is the European Hospital in Khan Younis, which was a key center for cancer treatment before it was directly targeted, resulting in the destruction of its infrastructure.
According to the Shehab Agency, Zaqout stated in a press briefing on Sunday that the European Hospital is no longer functional due to the deliberate destruction of its water and sewage networks, continuous enemy airstrikes, and the displacement of residents in surrounding areas, making its restoration "impossible in the near future."
He pointed out that immense pressure has now shifted to Nasser Hospital, the only remaining government-run hospital in southern Gaza, while no operational government hospitals remain in the north following the shutdown of the Indonesian Hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital, and Beit Hanoun Hospital.
Zaqout emphasized that the number of currently functioning hospitals does not exceed ten, including small and field hospitals, compared to 34 operational hospitals before the war. The available hospital beds have drastically decreased from 3,800 to just around 1,100, amid a surge in casualties from daily airstrikes, which result in hundreds of injuries each day.
He also noted that the enemy continues to block the entry of medicines, medical supplies, ventilators, and imaging equipment, severely undermining hospitals' ability to provide medical care.
Additionally, he addressed the challenges in intensive care, explaining that Nasser Hospital was forced to expand its ICU capacity from 12 to 42 beds, which is barely sufficient for critical cases—many of whom die due to a lack of proper equipment.
Dr. Zaqout further highlighted the deteriorating health conditions in Gaza City, where the healthcare infrastructure has been nearly completely destroyed. Al-Shifa Medical Complex no longer functions as an effective hospital and now has only about 65 beds, while the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital and the Red Crescent Society Hospital are also out of service.
In conclusion, Zaqout warned that the spread of diseases, malnutrition, and famine—resulting from the blockade and the prevention of medical and food aid—pose an additional threat to public health. He also condemned the enemy’s refusal to allow patients to seek treatment outside Gaza since the end of the last truce.
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