McMaster Friends of MSF

On October 7th, 2023, the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas erupted into an armed conflict, with extensive aerial bombings and ground invasions. The crisis has led to thousands of deaths, injuries and massive damage to infrastructure, including hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The Israeli imposed blockade has severely limited Gaza’s access to food, water, and medical supplies.¹

In early October, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for the one million residents of Northern Gaza, giving them just 24 hours to exit to the South. However, the evacuation of patients from hospitals was not feasible given the short timeframe, poor road conditions, lack of ambulances, and significant shortage of medical supplies. In addition, the Southern bed capacity is only one third of that of the North.^2,3

Al Shifa Hospital, the main surgical facility in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, was hit with a large influx of wounded patients far beyond its normal capacity. The overwhelming surge in patients was exacerbated by the critical shortage of medical supplies, which were already limited prior to the current crisis.^2,4 Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has responded to the escalating crisis by donating medical equipment and continuing to provide aid to those affected by the occupation and ongoing conflict.³

Teams have been working out of three hospitals and several outpatient clinics, caring for those suffering from burns and trauma.^5,6 However, their activities are severely restricted due to the precarious nature of the bombings.⁴ Despite consistent attacks, staff at Al Shifa Hospital have attempted to keep the institution operational.⁷ Healthcare in Gaza has reached its breaking point, as medical staff find themselves fatigued and helpless in the face of resource shortages and the overwhelming volume of patients.²

As of the 27th of October, two-thirds of basic healthcare facilities are no longer functional, as well as 12 out of 35 hospitals. These facilities are often inaccessible to those in need given the ambulance shortage and travel risks associated with the ongoing conflict.² On November 10th, Al Shifa lost electrical power. The non-stop shelling around the hospital’s perimeter is preventing patients and staff from evacuating and averting ambulances from escorting the injured. The organization has reiterated calls for an “immediate and unconditional cease-fire” to protect medical facilities, staff, and patients.⁷

The situation in Gaza is dire, with the ongoing conflict and blockade fueling a severe humanitarian crisis. MSF is continuing to provide medical care and support amidst the conflict as people lose their homes and families, but their efforts are highly limited by a lack of resources.

References

1. Gaza Israel war | MSF. https://www.msf.org/gaza-israel-war

2. Five ways the war in Gaza is impacting Palestinians health | MSF. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International. https://www.msf.org/five-ways-war-gaza-impacting-palestinians-health

3. Palestine | Doctors Without Borders – USA. https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/palestine

4. jessica. MSF’s response in Gaza amidst challenging conditions. Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF … Published October 23, 2023. https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/msf-response-in-gaza-amidst-challenging-conditions/

5. Gaza: As the ultimatum given to the population expires, MSF calls on the Israeli authorities to show humanity – Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF … https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/gaza-as-the-ultimatum-given-to-the-population-expires-msf-calls-on-the-israeli-authorities-to-show-humanity/

6. Our response to the Israel-Gaza war – Médecins Sans Frontières(MSF)/Doctors Without Borders. https://msfsouthasia.org/our-response-to-the-israel-gaza-war/

7. Gaza: Patients and medical staff trapped in hospitals under fire – Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF … https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/patients-medical-staff-trapped-in-hospitals-under-fire/