Gaza's Hospital Crisis: Urgent Solutions Needed
The hospital crisis in Gaza is worsening as the need for medical care increases and access to functioning hospitals becomes more difficult. Evacuating patients overseas and setting up field hospitals are being considered as alternative solutions, but experts warn that without an end to the fighting, these measures may offer little hope. Many hospitals have closed, and those that are still operating are overwhelmed and facing shortages of supplies and clean water. Patient numbers have soared, with an estimated 25,000 people wounded since October 7. Attacks on healthcare centers have been frequent, violating international humanitarian law. Evacuating patients is challenging due to the dangerous journey and the large number of patients in need. The entry of aid into Gaza is limited, making it difficult to set up field hospitals. The immediate priority is a ceasefire to stabilize the healthcare system and allow hospitals to be resupplied.