Healthcare Support for the People of Gaza
7 May: Nearly 10 Weeks Into Aid Blockade
EMERGENCY’s press release following the Israeli government’s announced approval of a plan for military escalation in Gaza and for privately contracting the distribution of humanitarian aid.
EMERGENCY’s activities in Gaza
Primary Healthcare Clinic in al-Qarara
Our team, which has been in Gaza since August 2024, constructed and now runs a clinic in the al-Qarara area.
In the facility, we provide first aid, stabilization of medical and surgical emergencies, transfer to other hospital facilities, basic medical and surgical assistance for both adults and children, outpatient reproductive health activities, and post-operative nursing follow-up care.
The clinic has an external waiting room, a triage room, an emergency room with an observation area, a dressing room, four doctors’ offices, a gynecologist’s office, an immunization room, a medication dispensary, workspaces for the doctors and logistician, a canteen, and a storeroom.
Since we arrived in the Gaza Strip in August 2024, we have cared for over 9,000 patients. Meanwhile, we have witnessed the humanitarian situation worsening day after days.”
Giorgio Monti, EMERGENCY Medical Coordinator in Gaza
Outpatient Clinic in al-Mawasi
Since November 2024, an EMERGENCY team has been providing medical and logistical support to a primary healthcare clinic in the al-Mawasi area (Khan Younis), run by the Culture & Free Thought Association (CFTA) — a local, independent NGO that has been operating in Gaza since 1991 to provide broad assistance to the Palestinian population, including cultural, educational, social and health activities.
Here, patients receive free basic care, medications and the necessary dressings following surgery.
EMERGENCY’s medical team – consisting of two nurses and two doctors – supervise activities in the clinic and coordinate and train the local colleagues employed by CFTA, comprised of seven medical and non-medical personnel.
We also manage the supply of all material necessary to ensure the continuity of the activities.
Support to the Nasser Hospital, Khan Younis
In March 2025, one of our teams worked at Nasser Hospital, the largest hospital in southern Gaza.
Our surgical team provided support in first aid and training, specifically on the management of mass casualties of war-wounded patients.
Three members of our staff were present on 23 March when the hospital was attacked.
We were preparing two patients for the operating theatre, both of whom were seriously injured by explosions,” says Filippo Pelagatti, EMERGENCY’s anaesthetist in Gaza. “Then we heard an explosion and the walls started shaking. We were taken to a safe room on the ground floor together with the hospital’s staff. As soon as possible, we went back to our patients. Without that surgery, they would have died.”
>> Nasser Hospital Attack: read our team’s testimony
The activities of our team at the Nasser Medical Complex have been suspended pending the re-establishment of the necessary safety conditions and guarantees.
Humanitarian aid access increasingly necessary
Throughout these months of war, humanitarian organizations trying to bring aid into Gaza have faced great limitations in access, difficult security conditions, and increasing restrictions on protected humanitarian space.
More than 80% of Gaza has been subject to evacuation orders. Today, around 90% of the population lives in tents and makeshift accommodation.
Data: OCHA
