Key facts
- Breast cancer patients in Gaza are undergoing immediate mastectomies due to a lack of advanced diagnostic tools and cancer drugs.
- Gaza has lost all seven of its MRI machines and is operating with only one old cardiac catheterization machine.
- Vaccination rates have declined from 96% to 80%, leading to a rise in infectious diseases.
- Water well production has decreased significantly, and fuel shortages hinder essential services.
- Chlorine, a vital disinfectant, is reportedly banned from entering Gaza.
- Over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed, with a total of 12.5% of the population killed or injured.
Physicians and health professionals in Gaza are facing dire conditions, including performing immediate mastectomies on breast cancer patients due to a lack of essential medical equipment and drugs. Doctors Against Genocide hosted a virtual call where experts detailed the severe impact of Israel's blockade and ongoing conflict on the enclave's healthcare system.
Dr. Ahmed Shatat highlighted the critical shortage of diagnostic tools, stating that Gaza has lost all seven of its MRI machines and is left with only one old cardiac catheterization machine, preventing proper diagnosis and treatment for various conditions, including cancer and heart disease. He noted that immediate mastectomies are now the fastest life-saving option for breast cancer patients.
Further compounding the crisis, vaccination rates have dropped significantly, leading to a dramatic increase in infectious diseases such as scabies, gastroenteritis, and Hepatitis A. Dr. Munir al-Barsh reported a drastic reduction in water well production and stated that even the available water is contaminated. Fuel shortages prevent the operation of essential services like desalination plants, and crucial disinfectants like chlorine are prohibited from entering Gaza.
Dr. Mustafa Barghouti stated that the total number of Palestinians killed or injured exceeds 73,000, representing 12.5% of Gaza's population. He drew a stark comparison to the United States, suggesting that a similar proportion would equate to 36 million people affected. The mental health crisis is also severe, with psychiatric consultant Abdullah el-Jamal describing how healthcare workers themselves are struggling with trauma and loss, making it difficult to treat patients who are experiencing similar psychological distress.
With approximately two million people displaced and nearly half a million buildings uninhabitable, the situation remains critical. Despite the immense challenges, Dr. Barghouti expressed a sense of resilience among the Palestinian people.