Sana'a: The director of the Medical Relief Society in the Gaza Strip, Muhammad Abu Afash, has issued a warning regarding the catastrophic repercussions of halting health services in the region. This crisis is attributed to a severe shortage of fuel, spare parts, and maintenance materials, compounded by the destruction of power generation infrastructure and ongoing aggression and siege on the Strip. According to Yemen News Agency, Abu Afash highlighted the looming closure of the Medical Relief Center for Chronic Diseases and Rehabilitation in Gaza City, a critical facility providing advanced treatment and specialized laboratory services. The closure would severely impact patients with chronic diseases and cancer, who require specific analyses. Abu Afash pointed out that this disruption occurs as the health sector in Gaza is already under pressure from an outbreak of summer illnesses, including skin, intestinal, and viral diseases. Over 58,000 cases of chickenpox have been reported this month alone, raising c oncerns about the health system's ability to cope. The director emphasized the reliance on generators due to the damaged energy infrastructure. However, the lack of fuel and spare parts has disrupted many services, especially mobile clinics serving remote areas. These clinics are essential for providing care to women, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Abu Afash appealed for urgent intervention to supply oils and spare parts to fixed and mobile clinics across Gaza, to prevent a potential humanitarian disaster. The health sector in Gaza, like other sectors, has faced widespread destruction due to Israeli targeting, described as systematic genocide since October 2023. On Wednesday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza warned about the potential collapse of oxygen supplies in hospitals. The Ministry reported that only 12 out of 34 oxygen plants remain operational, working under challenging conditions. Additionally, only 4 out of 30 oxygen cylinder filling machines are functioning, with r isks of sudden shutdowns due to lack of maintenance. The Ministry stressed the critical importance of oxygen for life-saving departments and home-hospitalized patients. With support from American and European entities, the Israeli army has imposed a siege and committed acts described as genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023. This has resulted in the deaths of 73,391 Palestinian civilians, predominantly children and women, and injuries to 174,280 others. Thousands remain trapped under rubble, inaccessible to rescue teams. A ceasefire agreement in Gaza took effect on October 10, following a prolonged war. However, violations of the ceasefire continue, and humanitarian aid is still largely blocked from entering the Strip.
Friday, August 21, 2026