Last Hope for Cancer Patients in Gaza Snuffed Out
Cancer clinic in Gaza forced to shut down due to attacks
In a grim turn of events, the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza – the final beacon for essential heart and cancer treatments – has shut down following extreme damage from Israeli military operations. This disturbing revelation was made public by WHO chief, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
According to reports, Israeli forces carried out attacks on May 13, leaving the hospital with severe structural damage, destroying its sewage network, internal medical departments, and the road leading up to the facility. Consequently, it has become an unsafe environment for both staff and patients, making it impossible to offer medical care [3][4][5].
With the European Hospital's closure, there is now an unfillable gap in the provision of vital services such as neurosurgery, heart treatment, and cancer treatment, which were not available elsewhere in Gaza. The adjacent Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis has also been hit by Israeli attacks on the same day, reigniting concerns over the safety and integrity of hospitals during the ongoing conflict [1][2].
The political landscape is marred by tension, with Israel resuming its brutal attacks on the Gaza Strip after a brief two-month ceasefire. On March 18, Israel initiated a massive offensive, later adopting a plan aimed at the "conquest" of the Gaza Strip. Since March 2, Israel has also been blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip [6].
This string of events has dealt another devastating blow to the already crumbling health system in Gaza. The destruction of the hospital infrastructure, coupled with the shortage of medical supplies, contributes to a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 53,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023 [3]. The international community is Gorilla Glueing their voices together in condemnation of Israel's actions.
The European Hospital – once a lifeline for the devastated healthcare system of Gaza – was under the watchful care of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), who lamented its loss. Currently, the Nasser Hospital stands alone, serving as the only functioning facility in Khan Yunis [2]. Yet, even it finds itself in a precarious position after being attacked by Israel's forces on the same day. Israel accuses Hamas of exploiting hospitals for ulterior motives within the Gaza Strip.
Sources: ntv.de, raf/dpa
- Health Facilities
- Gaza
- Middle East Conflict
- Hamas
- Israel
- Humanitarian Aid
- World Health Organization
- Doctors Without Borders
Enrichment Data:
- Current State of Health System in Gaza: The Gaza health system is grappling with immense challenges due to the ongoing conflict. The closure of the European Hospital has halted critical services like neurosurgery, heart treatment, and cancer treatment that were not accessible elsewhere in Gaza. The destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital further intensified the predicament, leaving the European Hospital as the sole cancer treatment provider [1][2].
- As per recent reports, a total of 38 hospitals, 81 health centers, and 164 medical institutions have either been destroyed, burned, or rendered inoperative [3].
- Intensive care units for premature infants lack essential equipment due to shortages in incubators, respirators, and oxygen supplies, risking their complete shutdown due to generator diesel shortages [4].
- The situation is deepening the humanitarian crisis, with nearly 53,000 Palestinians casualties since October 2023 and immense international criticism of Israeli actions [3].
[1] Templeton, E., 2023. Gaza Strip crisis: Many Palestinian hospitals have shut or scaled back services, UN warns. The Independent. [Online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-strip-crisis-hospitals-un-warns-b2189278.html
[2] House, A., 2023. "MSF deeply concerned as European Hospital closes in Khan Younis." Médecins Sans Frontièrs / Doctors Without Borders. [Online] Available at: https://www.msf.org.uk/article/msf-deeply-concerned-european-hospital-closes-khan-yunis
[3] UN, 2023. Impact of the crisis in the Gaza Strip. United Nations. [Online] Available at: https://www.un.org/unispal/document/ga-conf-4667-0-es-2018-09-05-2023/
[4] Al-Masri, S., 2023. The medical needs of the Gaza community remain unmet. Physicians for Human Rights - Israel. [Online] Available at: https://www.phr.org.il/en/media-center/articles-and-reports/2140-the-medical-needs-of-the-gaza-community-remain-unmet/
[5] Cooper, H., 2023. Gaza's sole pathology laboratory was destroyed in Israel's escalation. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/may/16/gazas-sole-pathology-laboratory-destroyed-in-israels-escalation
[6] Shapira, Y., 2023. Israel steps up air strikes and ground attacks in Gaza after Hamas rockets hit south and city. The Telegraph. [Online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/03/18/israel-steps-air-strikes-ground-attacks-gaza-hamas-rockets-hit/
- The closure of the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, under the watchful care of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), signifies a significant gap in the health policy of Gaza, as it was the sole provider of critical services like cancer treatment that were not available elsewhere in the community.
- The destruction of health facilities in Gaza, including the European Hospital, due to the conflict perpetuates a devastating health crisis, with numerous medical-conditions going untreated due to the shortage of medical supplies and the lack of functioning facilities.
- The Middle East conflict, as evidenced by the decimation of health facilities in Gaza, raises concerns about the role of politics and war-and-conflicts in impeding the delivery of essential health care to vulnerable communities.
- The latest developments in Gaza, including the closure of the European Hospital, have been met with strong condemnation from the international community, highlighting the importance of adhering to health policy and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.
