Gaza’s health system faces collapse as intensified military operations force more hospitals to close, the World Health Organization warned. Four major hospitals suspended medical services in the past week due to proximity to hostilities or direct attacks. Only 19 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain operational, with 12 providing full services and seven offering basic emergency care only.
WHO recorded 28 attacks on healthcare facilities during the past week, bringing the total to 697 since October 2023. At least 94% of all hospitals in Gaza are damaged or destroyed. New evacuation orders threaten to push more facilities out of service, including one hospital, 11 primary care centers, and 13 medical points within evacuation zones.
North Gaza has lost nearly all healthcare capacity. Al-Awda Hospital operates minimally as a trauma center after attacks that injured three health workers and destroyed medical supplies. Indonesian Hospital remains inaccessible due to military presence since May 18. Kamal Adwan Hospital, which housed the only severe malnutrition treatment center in North Gaza, closed May 20 after intense fighting forced patient evacuations.
Currently, 2,000 hospital beds serve Gaza’s population of over 2 million people. An additional 40 beds risk closure as hospitals fall within new evacuation zones, while 850 more could be lost if conditions worsen at nearby facilities.
WHO called for the protection of healthcare facilities and an immediate ceasefire.
