The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning: Gaza’s health system is collapsing. The Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital—the last major referral hospitals still operating—are at risk of shutting down. Already, no hospitals remain functional in northern Gaza.
Nasser and Al-Amal are the only two public hospitals still running in Khan Younis, where most of Gaza’s population is now sheltering. If they close, thousands will lose access to lifesaving care.
Though no formal evacuation orders have been issued, both hospitals lie inside or near a military evacuation zone declared on June 2. Israeli authorities have warned that access roads will be blocked, making it nearly impossible for new patients and medical staff to reach the facilities. Without the ability to resupply or transfer patients, WHO says the hospitals could soon cease functioning due to security risks, movement restrictions, and supply shortages.
Both hospitals are overwhelmed, operating far beyond capacity. Patients with severe injuries continue to arrive, but critical medicines and equipment are running out. If Nasser and Al-Amal close, Gaza will lose:
- Emergency surgical care
- Intensive care units
- Blood bank and transfusion services
- Cancer and dialysis treatment
The shutdown would eliminate 490 hospital beds, leaving Gaza with fewer than 1,400 beds for its 2 million people—a 40% drop since the conflict began.
WHO condemns the prolonged destruction of Gaza’s health system. For over 20 months, health workers and aid groups have struggled to keep services running despite relentless attacks, aid blockades, and restricted access.
WHO demands:
- Immediate protection for Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals to ensure safe access.
- Urgent delivery of medical supplies through all possible routes.
- An immediate and sustained ceasefire.
“Hospitals must never be targets,” WHO stressed. “Patients should not risk their lives just trying to reach one.”
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