The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, even months after a ceasefire was declared on October 10, 2023. While the ceasefire has halted most military bombardments, it has not brought relief to the thousands of individuals suffering from critical health conditions, such as cancer. Najat Sayed al-Hessi, a 61-year-old cancer patient from Gaza, has been waiting for her monthly medication for 27 months without receiving a single dose. Her situation exemplifies the broader healthcare crisis that continues to unfold in the region.
Al-Hessi, who resides in a makeshift tent in Deir al-Balah, describes her experience: “Nothing has changed for cancer patients in Gaza since the ceasefire. I fear the disease is advancing in my body with each passing day.” She was scheduled to travel to Ramallah for essential treatment on October 7, the day before the war escalated, but has been unable to leave Gaza since then.
The health infrastructure in Gaza has been severely compromised after two years of conflict. According to the Palestinian health ministry, essential medical services are drastically limited. As of November, 56 percent of essential drugs and 68 percent of medical consumables were unavailable, leaving patients like al-Hessi without necessary care.
Health Crisis Deepens Amid Ongoing Restrictions
The Gaza Cancer Centre is reporting a staggering 70 percent shortage in cancer medications and painkillers. Dr. Muhammad Abunada, the medical director, states that while some medications remain available, they are often ineffective because patients require multiple types of drugs to combat their illness. “The remaining 30 percent are largely ineffective,” he explains, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive treatment plans that are currently unattainable.
The consequences of these shortages are severe. Death rates among cancer patients have reportedly doubled or tripled since the escalation of conflict began, with two or three patients now dying daily—a marked increase from one death per day prior to the war. This grim statistic underscores the urgent need for a functional healthcare system in Gaza.
Furthermore, the mortality crisis extends beyond cancer patients. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported a troubling increase in newborn deaths. Between July and September 2023, an average of 47 newborn deaths per month were recorded, nearly double the monthly average of 27 in the previous year. The ongoing lack of adequate healthcare services continues to impact the most vulnerable populations.
Since the ceasefire, violence persists, with at least 449 Palestinians killed and over 1,264 injured. This ongoing threat has left many families, including those with children, in a state of constant fear. Abu Rafiq Ubeid, a father of three, expresses his concerns: “I’m still afraid to send my children to school. The bombings continue, not only in eastern areas but even in the middle of Gaza City.”
Continued Displacement and Deteriorating Living Conditions
The ceasefire has not resolved the issue of displacement. Approximately 1.5 million Palestinians remain displaced, enduring harsh winter conditions in tents that are increasingly uninhabitable. Rajaa Jendiya, a mother of three, describes the challenges of living in a tent during winter: “Our tents are torn after two years of continuous displacement, and our health has deteriorated due to suffering and prolonged starvation.”
The humanitarian situation is exacerbated by ongoing Israeli restrictions on aid and goods. International organizations face significant barriers to operating in Gaza, with new conditions imposed that limit their ability to provide assistance. According to local residents, this is not merely a result of the conflict but a strategic effort to keep Gaza dependent on external aid.
The Israeli military actions have effectively dismantled Gaza’s agricultural and fishing industries, which were once sources of food self-sufficiency. Zakaria Bakr, head of the Fishermen’s Union Committees in Gaza, notes that the fishing sector has been decimated, forcing the population to rely on imported food. “They simply want to keep it dependent,” he asserts.
As winter progresses, the situation in Gaza remains critical. The lack of shelter and adequate healthcare continues to threaten the lives of those already suffering. Al-Hessi’s story, along with those of countless others, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis that persists long after the cessation of hostilities. The international community faces urgent calls to address these issues and provide support for the millions of people whose lives have been irrevocably altered by this protracted conflict.
