The ongoing conflict and blockade
in Gaza have created a severe humanitarian crisis, devastating the region’s
healthcare system and leaving millions in desperate need of medical support.
Medical aids for Gaza have become a critical lifeline, providing essential
supplies, equipment, and expertise to a population facing acute shortages and
overwhelming challenges.
Organizations worldwide,
including Medical
Aid for Palestinians (MAP), MedGlobal, and the United Nations Relief and
Works Agency (UNRWA), are working tirelessly to deliver life-saving care amidst
destroyed hospitals, scarce medicines, and a lack of basic infrastructure.
This article explores the
importance of medical aid, the challenges faced in its delivery, and the
long-term solutions needed to rebuild Gaza’s healthcare system, offering hope
to a region in crisis.
The Dire State of Gaza’s
Healthcare System
Gaza’s healthcare system has been
pushed to the brink by years of conflict and a prolonged blockade, with the
situation worsening dramatically since October 2023. Over 60% of hospitals are
non-functional, and the remaining facilities operate far beyond capacity, often
without electricity, fuel, or clean water.
For example, Nasser Hospital, one
of the few partially functioning facilities, has been overwhelmed, with bed
occupancy rates reaching 150%, making infection control nearly impossible. The
closure of specialized facilities, like the only oncology hospital in Gaza, has
left approximately 2,000 cancer patients without access to critical treatment.
Maternity wards, such as Al Hilo Hospital, struggle to support the 180 women
giving birth daily, often without essential supplies like anesthesia or sterile
equipment.
The blockade has restricted the
entry of medical supplies, with UNRWA reporting a 60% shortage of essential
medicines. This collapse has led to a surge in preventable deaths, with over
71,000 cases of infectious diseases, including scabies, lice, and respiratory
infections, reported since the conflict escalated. The lack of routine
vaccinations and medications for chronic illnesses further compounds the
crisis, leaving vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and pregnant
women—at particular risk.
The Role of Medical Aid in
Saving Lives
Medical aid organizations have
stepped in to address these gaps, delivering critical support to Gaza’s
struggling healthcare system. Groups like MedGlobal have treated up to 4,000
patients daily, operating 16 medical points that provide primary care, maternal
health services, pediatric care, and mental health support.
In one notable mission, Medics
Across Continents, in collaboration with MAP, conducted 470 consultations and
102 life-saving surgeries over three weeks at Nasser Hospital, addressing
conflict-related injuries and complex medical conditions. These efforts are
vital for patients, particularly children, who make up a significant portion of
those needing care. Mobile clinics have also proven effective, reaching
displaced populations in hard-to-access areas like Rafah, where over a million
people live in cramped conditions.
These clinics provide free health
check-ups, medications, and nutritional support, addressing issues like severe
acute malnutrition, which affects over 1,500 children monthly. However, the
scale of need far exceeds current resources, with organizations relying heavily
on donations to fund surgical equipment, medicines, and training for local
healthcare workers.
Challenges in Delivering
Medical Aid
Delivering medical
aid to Gaza is fraught with obstacles due to the ongoing conflict and
blockade. Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid, particularly since October
2023, have severely limited the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies, with
initial blockades preventing aid for weeks. Even when aid is allowed,
logistical challenges such as damaged roads and disrupted supply chains hinder
distribution.
For instance, a small convoy of
flour was reportedly intercepted in a staged attack, highlighting the risks
faced by aid workers and civilians alike. The targeting of healthcare
facilities and personnel further complicates efforts, with 480 health workers
killed and 160 arrested or detained since the conflict intensified. The
suspension of UNRWA funding by some donor states, following unverified
allegations, has also strained resources, as over two million people, half of
whom are children, depend on UNRWA’s aid.
Additionally, the lack of safe
access for medical teams and the destruction of infrastructure, like water and
sanitation systems, exacerbate the spread of diseases, making it harder to
provide effective care. These challenges underscore the need for a coordinated,
international response to ensure aid reaches those in need.
Long-Term Solutions for
Rebuilding Healthcare
While immediate medical aid is
critical, rebuilding Gaza’s healthcare system for long-term sustainability is
essential. A ceasefire is a prerequisite to allow safe access for humanitarian
organizations and to begin reconstructing hospitals and clinics. Innovations
like telemedicine and eHealth platforms, successfully used in conflict zones
like Syria and Afghanistan, could bridge gaps in care by enabling remote
consultations and training for local health workers.
Mobile clinics, which have shown
promise in Northwest Syria, could be expanded to serve displaced populations in
Gaza, particularly in Rafah, where population density has increased fivefold.
Rebuilding efforts must prioritize vulnerable groups—children, pregnant women,
the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—while addressing mental health
needs, which have been largely overlooked. The Amman meeting proposed a plan
focusing on these populations, emphasizing the need for international
stewardship combined with local ownership to ensure sustainable recovery.
Strengthening local capacity
through training and equipping healthcare workers is also crucial, as is
restoring supply chains for medicines and equipment. Over 90% of Gaza’s homes
and schools have been destroyed, requiring a comprehensive approach that integrates
healthcare with broader infrastructure rebuilding.
The Global Call to Action
The crisis in Gaza demands urgent
global action. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have
delivered 24 trucks of medical supplies since August 2025, including trauma
kits and treatments for non-communicable diseases, but this is a fraction of
what’s needed. Posts on X highlight the frustration with aid delivery, noting
deliberate attempts to replace UN-coordinated systems with politically
motivated alternatives, which have failed to meet Gaza’s needs.
The international community must
advocate for unhindered access to humanitarian aid, a permanent ceasefire, and
the release of hostages and detainees to stabilize the region. Donations, even
small ones, can make a significant impact—£20 can contribute to life-saving
surgeries, while £1,000 can cover the cost of a single procedure.
Volunteers, particularly medical
professionals, are also needed to join missions and share Gaza’s story, as
emphasized by the Journal of the British Islamic Medical Association. By
supporting these efforts, individuals and governments can help alleviate suffering
and lay the foundation for a healthier future in Gaza.
FAQs
Why is medical aid so critical in Gaza right now?
Gaza’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to destroyed
hospitals, medicine shortages, and the loss of healthcare workers. Medical aid
provides essential supplies and services to treat injuries, diseases, and
chronic conditions, saving countless lives.
How can I help with medical aid efforts for Gaza?
You can donate to organizations like Medical Aid for Palestinians, MedGlobal,
or UNRWA. Even small contributions, like £20, can support life-saving
surgeries. Volunteering as a medical professional or raising awareness also
helps.
What are the biggest challenges in delivering medical aid
to Gaza?
The blockade, damaged infrastructure, and attacks on healthcare facilities and
workers make it difficult to deliver aid. Logistical issues, like restricted
supply chains and unsafe roads, further complicate efforts.
What is needed for long-term healthcare recovery in Gaza?
A ceasefire, rebuilding hospitals, expanding mobile clinics, and using
telemedicine are key. Training local healthcare workers and ensuring a steady
supply of medicines and equipment are also critical for sustainability.