UN Agencies Warn Gaza Health Crisis Worsening as Medical Supplies Remain Blocked

UN Agencies Warn Gaza Health Crisis Worsening as Medical Supplies Remain Blocked
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UN agencies have warned that Gaza’s humanitarian and health crisis is worsening as violence continues, infectious diseases spread, and essential medical supplies remain blocked from entering the enclave.

According to the WHO, only about half of Gaza’s hospitals are partially functional, while no hospital is fully operational. Critical shortages of medicines, laboratory equipment, oxygen concentrators, orthopedic supplies, and other essential items have severely weakened the health system.

UN officials warned that without diagnostic equipment, Gaza cannot properly detect disease outbreaks amid overcrowding, poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and rodent infestations. Prosthetic limbs are also reportedly restricted as “dual-use” items, leaving thousands of amputees waiting for treatment.

UNRWA officials said the agency remains irreplaceable in Gaza’s health response, but Israeli restrictions have prevented it from bringing medicines into Gaza and the West Bank. The agency also reported that nearly 400 of its staff have been killed during the war.