Amman, May 24 (Petra) – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Saturday that medical crews in the Gaza Strip are under intense pressure, amid an acute shortage of medicines and medical supplies, which is made worse by power outages and a shortage of fuel needed to run hospitals.

The United Nations is not demanding the impossible in Gaza, but the implementation of international law, which guarantees the right of civilian to treatment, life, and free movement, UNICEF spokesperson Kazem Abu Khalaf said in remarks on the organization’s website.

“If Gaza is left like this, we are facing a humanitarian catastrophe whose repercussions will not be erased for decades,” he warned.

He said critical humanitarian cases, including children, women, and the elderly, are dying daily for being denied access to proper medical care.

Khalaf said the situation cannot be fixed with aid alone, but requires a comprehensive plan to rebuild the economy and reopen and operate crossings for the entry of goods, fuel, and medical supplies.

He said the health system in the Gaza Strip is in a near-total collapse due to the ongoing Israeli bombardment and blockade.

The UNICEF spokesman said 36 hospitals were operating in the Strip before the war, but the number now is about 18, most operating at no more than half capacity.

He said more than 10,500 wounded Palestinians needed to leave the Gaza Strip for urgent treatment abroad, adding that average discharges does not exceed two cases per day.

//Petra//SS
24/05/2025 15:01:56