Full Breakdown
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Medical Evacuations and Health System Struggles
12/14/2025, 8:03:21 PM
Current Health System Status in Gaza
As of December 2025, the health crisis in Gaza remains dire, with 18 out of 36 hospitals and 43% of primary healthcare centers only partially operational. Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, reported that essential medical services are severely limited, with only two CT scanners available for a population exceeding two million. The shortage of critical medicines and medical supplies, particularly for treating heart disease and kidney conditions, exacerbates the situation. The process for obtaining medical supplies is described as slow and unnecessarily complex, with many items denied entry due to being classified as “dual use.”
Impact of Recent Weather Events
The humanitarian situation has been further complicated by the recent impact of Storm Byron, which has intensified the suffering of displaced families. Thousands are living in high-risk coastal areas, and reports indicate that at least ten individuals died due to heavy rains. The winter conditions, combined with inadequate water and sanitation, are expected to lead to a surge in acute respiratory infections and other diseases, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Medical Evacuations and Patient Needs
More than 18,500 patients in Gaza, including over 4,000 children, are awaiting medical evacuation. The WHO has called for more countries to accept these patients and for evacuation operations to resume to the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Since the ceasefire began in October 2025, only 235 patients have been evacuated, highlighting significant delays attributed to a lack of receiving countries. Dr. Peeperkorn emphasized the urgent need for new evacuation routes to facilitate patient transfers.
Criticism of Aid Restrictions
The ongoing conflict has led to widespread criticism of the Israeli blockade, which has severely limited the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Despite a UN resolution calling for increased aid access, reports indicate that the level of assistance entering the territory remains insufficient. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) identified persistent impediments, including customs clearance challenges and delays at crossings, as major barriers to delivering aid.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He continued: “There was also a severe shortage of essential medicines and medical supplies needed for, among other things, heart disease treatment, kidney transplantation and hemodialysis, and intensive care surgery.” — Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO Representative
- “No child should be scarred by war before they have taken their first breath,” — Tess Ingram, UNICEF Communication Manager
Conclusion
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is characterized by a collapsing health system, urgent medical evacuation needs, and significant barriers to aid delivery. The WHO and UNICEF continue to advocate for improved access to medical care and humanitarian assistance, stressing the need for international support to alleviate the suffering of the population. As winter conditions worsen, the urgency for action becomes increasingly critical to prevent further loss of life and health deterioration among the most vulnerable groups.
