Gaza's Healthcare System on Brink of Collapse

Strategic Insights -

The Gaza Strip's healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to the ongoing conflict and devastation, with only 13 of 36 hospitals partially functioning. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of uncontrolled outbreaks of infectious diseases and urged for urgent action to evacuate the wounded and provide essential medical supplies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gaza Strip's healthcare system has been severely damaged, with only 13 of 36 hospitals partially functioning, leaving many critical services suspended.
  • According to WHO data, only eight health centers are operational in Gaza City, and only one center remains in the north.
  • Staffing shortages have led to a significant reduction in critical services, including vaccinations, which have been missed by many children born in the past two years.
  • A WHO report revealed that of the 167,376 war-wounded since October 2023, one in four suffers permanent disabilities, with children making up a quarter of those injured.
  • Mental health needs in Gaza have more than doubled, yet current services fall drastically short of meeting demand.
  • At least 67,967 people have been killed since the beginning of Israel's military operation, figures the United Nations deems credible.
  • Dr. Hanan Balkhy stressed that rebuilding Gaza's health sector will take billions of dollars and decades of work, due to the complexity of assessing total damage and ongoing restrictions on movement.

Statistics:

  • Only 13 of 36 hospitals in Gaza are partially functioning.
  • Only eight health centers are operational in Gaza City.
  • One health center remains operational in the north.
  • 167,376 people have been war-wounded since October 2023.
  • One in four war-wounded suffers permanent disabilities.
  • Children make up a quarter of those injured.
  • Mental health needs in Gaza have more than doubled.
  • At least 67,967 people have been killed since the start of Israel's military operation.

Sources:

  • Qatar News Agency, 17 Oct 2025
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • United Nations