Approximately 120 people died and 360 were wounded, including many women and children, during the Israeli incursion and bombings between February 27 and March 3, conducted in reprisal for Palestinian rocket fire that hit neighboring Israeli towns. The current humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not new but is the result of a combination of political and economic factors, worsened by the blockade.
Continuing problems
Hospitals are in a precarious situation, facing a host of difficulties. As a result of electricity, fuel and spare parts shortages, health services have had to cut back. There are serious problems related to maintenance and the operation of infrastructure and ambulances, as well as shortages of medical supplies and medication. Access to specialized care outside the Gaza Strip has also suffered as a result of the closures.
Problems relating to internal order compound those resulting from the economic blockade (international financial aid has been suspended). The political disagreements and dysfunctional relationships between the two Palestinian governments in Ramallah and Gaza only worsen the situation. Over the last two years, economic sanctions have been tightened periodically, affecting all aspects of socio-economic life in Gaza.
Impact of inter-Palestinian clashes
With two competing health authorities (one associated with the recognised Palestinian Authority and the other with Hamas), health professionals are in a bind. They receive contradictory instructions and face strikes preventing medical services from operating effectively. Access to care is blocked and staff experience difficulties at work related to their political affiliations, reducing the quality of care.
Fragile health care system
When tensions flare, health facilities are flooded with patients. Each violent episode further weakens an already-compromised health sector. MSF teams are in close contact with Gaza health facilities and evaluate medical needs regularly. When necessary, MSF contributes essential medications and supplies to emergency and surgery departments. By treating wounded patients, our clinics ease the burden on overloaded hospitals. However, our activities are minimal in relation to the needs and cannot replace a public health system.
Although the problems in the Palestinian health sector are particularly visible when the conflict intensifies, they pre-exist such episodes and have been persistent. The Palestinian political polarization harms the ability of health facilities to provide services.These essential, life-saving services should not suffer the consequences of the conflicts, which are both inter-Palestinian and Israeli-Palestinian.
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