When talking from Gaza, representing Rik Peeperkorn described a scene of widespread destruction, overwhelmed medical facilities and growing need for mental health, as the population of the enclave gradually returns to what is left of their homes after almost 16 months of conflict.
“Everyone in Gaza is affected … stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness. It’s everywhere, ”he said, highlighting the psychological toll for both residents and health workers.
Hospitals hardly operational
Before the war, Gaza had more than 3,500 hospital beds. Today, there are only 1,900 left, and very few intensive care units (ICUs) and incubators for newborns, leaving medical staff struggling to deal with critical cases.
Even before the war, mental health services were limited, with only one psychiatric hospital, six social centers and an NGO network that provides support. Now these facilities are either destroyed or non-functional.
The situation is especially concerned in northern Gaza, where only two psychiatrists are left. In addition, only a hospital is partially functional in the region and the remaining either destroyed or severely damaged.
“Jabalya is like a wilderness. The destruction … is without faith, ”he added.
Evacuations painfully slow
Dr. Peepercorn further stated that medical evacuations of critically ill and wounded patients have begun, with 35 to 40 patients transferred daily.
“It is incredibly important that we speed up this and speed up this,” he said, emphasizing that according to WHO, between 12,000 and 14,000 patients should be evacuated from Gaza, including at least 5,000 children.
Among the total estimated patients, about half of traumbling injuries suffer, while others need urgent treatment of chronic conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Peeperkorn called for the urgent reopening of additional medical corridors, especially the “traditional referral path” in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where facilities are ready to receive patients.
Critical infrastructure, including electricity networks, has suffered extensive damage across the gaza strip.
Wider humanitarian situation
In addition to the serious health crisis, the broader humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical with a serious lack of clean water, food and important services.
UN relief coordinator Tom Fletcher visited the enclave on Thursday as the UN agents and partners continue to respond to enormous needs, a UN spokesman said.
“In northern Gaza, Mr. Fletcher Two Hospitals – Al Shifa in Gaza City and Al Awda in Jabalya – where he met with patients, staff and management, ”said Farhan Haq, deputy UN spokesman, journalists on a news brief in New York.
“When he left Al Awda Hospital, he spoke with the survivors and returned in Jabalya trying to rebuild their lives in the middle of the rubble.”
Acute deficiency
Mr. HAQ also reported that water shortages remain particularly acute. The only operational water well in North Gaza, operated by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), acts as a crucial lifeline for clean drinking water.
However, widespread destruction of the infrastructure has left many residents without reliable access. Humanitarian partners distribute 2,500 cubic meters of safe drinking water daily and reaches about 411,000 people, but this remains far below the actual needs.
A partner organization also provides cleaning and sanitation services at 17 shifts in northern Gaza, which benefits from nearly 12,000 displaced individuals.
“Water, sanitation and hygiene partners conduct assessments in places across the strip to repair water wells, install dosing pumps and set up water filling points,” Mr. HAQ and added: “While some repairs are already underway, hinges on teams capable of clearing waste and making assessments of explosive hazards can. “
Challenges in the West Bank
Meanwhile in the West Bank, Israeli military operations have intensified in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas, which severely limits Palestinian access to essential help, including water, food, medicine and supply for infants.
In Tuba’s Governorate, Israeli forces have operated in El Far’a Refugee Camp for five consecutive days, Mr. Haq.
“They have introduced a curfew and allegedly prohibit residents from leaving their homes. They also bulldozed roads and damaged water networks and forced residents to rely on collecting rainwater. “
