Image Credit: The Economic Times
Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse as hospitals struggle to cope with the overwhelming number of casualties from ongoing Israeli airstrikes, according to Dr. Swee Ang, co-founder of Medical Aid for Palestinians. Speaking to Al Jazeera from London, Dr. Ang highlighted the dire situation, noting that almost all healthcare facilities in Gaza have been either bombed or shelled. Only one hospital remains undamaged, but it has been forced to shut down, leaving the population with virtually no access to medical care.
The situation is exacerbated by the Israeli military’s blockade on Gaza, which has severely restricted the entry of medical supplies. The use of 2,000-pound (900kg) bombs by Israel has further compounded the crisis, making it nearly impossible for the remaining medical staff to treat the wounded effectively. Dr. Ang expressed her frustration over the scale of the destruction, emphasizing the impossible choices faced by doctors who must decide which patients to save as they rush between shredded bodies.
Dr. Ang also drew attention to the historical context of Gaza’s suffering, pointing out that the region has endured multiple rounds of Israeli bombardment in recent years, including in 2008, 2012, and 2014. She noted that each time the people of Gaza attempt to rebuild, they are met with another wave of attacks, preventing any meaningful recovery.
The international community has repeatedly called for an end to the violence, but the situation in Gaza remains grim. Dr. Ang’s account underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a sustainable resolution to the conflict, as Gaza’s healthcare system teeters on the edge of total collapse.