At least 1,500 citizens in Gaza completely lost sight

GAZA, May 11 (YPA) – Almost 1,500 citizens have completely lost their sight since the start of the Israeli occupation’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, the Gaza-based Palestinian Ministry of Health said in a statement on Sunday.

The Ministry revealed also that over 4,000 others face the risk of blindness due to a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies.

Director of Gaza’s Eye Hospital, Dr. Abdul Salam Sabah, said in a press statement that the health sector is experiencing a critical phase due to a near-total shortage of surgical supplies and medical equipment necessary to save patients, especially those suffering from severe retinal injuries and internal bleeding caused by explosions.

He explained that the hospital currently only has three disposable surgical scissors, while essential supplies such as helium gas and fine sutures required for delicate surgeries have been completely depleted. This leaves medical staff with limited options, threatening patients’ lives and potentially leading to permanent blindness.

Sabah warned that eye surgery services are about to stop completely unless international and humanitarian organizations intervene immediately to provide urgent medical support.

He noted that the continued blockade and the denial of equipment entry would exacerbate the health catastrophe and lead to thousands of patients losing their sight.

AA