By Newspot Nigeria Global Desk
š©ŗ The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a grave warning about the potential collapse of the Gaza Stripās health system, citing the imminent threat to Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospitalāthe last two functioning public hospitals in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
š„ As the only remaining major referral hospitals for over 2 million people, their closure would leave countless civilians without access to emergency surgeries, intensive care, cancer treatment, dialysis, and other life-saving health services. With no functioning hospitals left in northern Gaza, these two hospitals have become the final lifeline for thousands seeking care.
š£ WHO revealed that although Nasser and Al-Amal have not been formally ordered to evacuate, Israeli authorities have declared surrounding zones as evacuation areas and are reportedly obstructing access routes. This has effectively trapped health workers and patients inside, with grave implications for those still trying to reach the facilities amid bombardments and movement restrictions.
š The potential loss of these hospitals would slash the available hospital beds in Gaza to fewer than 1,400āa 40% drop from pre-conflict levels. Currently, Nasser is operating at 180% capacity, and Al-Amal is at 100%, despite severe shortages of essential medicines, supplies, and personnel.
š WHO emphasized that only 17 out of Gazaās 36 hospitals remain partially functional, and just five of those are major referral hospitals, including Nasser and Al-Amal. Emergency Medical Teamsāone national and four internationalāhave been deployed to help maintain care, but WHO reports that 50 trucks carrying critical supplies remain stuck at Al-Arish and in the West Bank due to access restrictions.
šļø The WHO has reiterated its demand for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, stressing that hospitals must never be militarized or targeted. It is also calling for unhindered delivery of medicines and supplies through all available humanitarian routes.
š “Patients must not risk losing their lives while trying to save them. This has gone on for far too longāit must stop,” WHO officials stated emphatically.
š As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community faces mounting pressure to protect healthcare infrastructure and uphold international humanitarian law in Gaza.
šļø For continuing coverage on this and other global health stories, stay tuned to Newspot Nigeria.
