Director of Medical Relief in Gaza warns of hospitals closure due to shortages of medicines and fuel

GAZA, April. 15 (YPA) – The Director of Medical Relief in the Gaza Strip, Muhammad Abu Afsh, warned on Wednesday of the danger of hospitals ceasing operations due to a severe shortage of medicines, medical supplies, and fuel, including generator oil, stressing that the continuation of the situation threatens the lives of thousands of patients.

Abu Afsh said that the health sector has been suffering from recurring crises for some time, especially regarding medications for chronic and heart diseases, and that the solutions provided are partial and temporary. He called on international organizations to intervene urgently and visit health centers to see the extent of the challenges.

In a related context, he warned of an unprecedented spread of rodents in various areas of the Strip, especially in Gaza City and the southern regions, with an increasing number of cases recorded among children and diabetic patients.

He also explained that the approach of summer and the spread of waste and sewage provide a breeding ground for rodents, calling for the urgent introduction of insecticides to prevent the outbreak of epidemics.

In addition, he noted that health institutions have launched awareness campaigns for prevention, including guidelines on hygiene, avoiding leaving food uncovered, and not sleeping in destroyed buildings, along with the necessity of immediately seeking medical attention in case of bites.

He also expressed his hope that the situation would improve with the continued opening of the crossings and the increase in the number of patients allowed to leave the Gaza Strip for treatment, calling for more international pressure to expand these measures.