The local hospitals that are still operational lack necessary staff and medicines and are often overcrowded. In the absence of other facilities, the sick and injured turn to hospitals for needs that could usually be treated on an outpatient basis.

The situation in the Gaza Strip is critical and the population is suffering. In addition to the lack of health services, there are widespread shortages of water, food and housing.

EMERGENCY’s Project in Gaza

In mid-August 2024, an EMERGENCY team entered Gaza to open a clinic that will provide first aid, stabilisation of medical and surgical emergencies, transfers to hospital facilities, basic medical and surgical care for adults and children, outpatient reproductive health services, and post-operative follow-up care.

Over the past few months, while waiting for the final authorisation to enter Gaza, we have been working to define the project and establish coordination with UN agencies and other partners in the area.

Difficulties in access for humanitarian organisations

The possibility of providing aid has had to contend with major restrictions on access for humanitarian organisations, difficult security conditions and ever-shrinking humanitarian space.

As of 26 August 2024, some 305 square kilometres — almost 84% of the Gaza Strip — have been placed under evacuation orders.

Humanitarian space is constantly shrinking. Israel’s declared humanitarian area in al-Mawasi has shrunk from 58.9 square kilometres at the beginning of the year to approximately 46 square kilometres, covering approximately 12.6% of Gaza.

68 humanitarian missions were denied by the Israeli authorities in the first half of August 2024, approximately one-third of those planned at the beginning of the month.

Data: OCHA

Ceasefire Now

The people of Gaza cannot continue to live in these inhuman conditions. An immediate ceasefire is needed, in part to allow humanitarian aid to enter.