Gaza's healthcare system is 'literally obliterated'—a dire situation unfolding, says expert

As the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its sixth month, the situation in Gaza continues to worsen, prompting intensified calls for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. The current impasse in negotiations, now on its fifth day in Egypt, raises concerns about the prolonged suffering of the Gaza population.

Reports from health officials underscore the critical need for aid, with 20 people having succumbed to malnutrition and dehydration.

Farhat Mantoo, the Executive Director of South Asia at Doctors Without Borders, highlighted the dire conditions, particularly in the northern and central areas of Gaza, which are nearly inaccessible for humanitarian aid. The situation has led to reports of malnutrition, starvation, and the alarming statistic that 70% of Gaza's population is consuming either saline or contaminated water.

The blockade on aid operations by Israel has further compounded the crisis, with accusations of groundless obstruction as Gaza faces deepening famine. The United Nations has confirmed that almost 40% of aid missions to Gaza were denied by the Israeli government, exacerbating the already dire circumstances.

Mantoo also shed light on the devastating impact on healthcare, stating, "We have seen day by day, the health structure, how it has been kind of literally obliterated." Mothers are reportedly giving birth in unhygienic conditions in tents, and mental health concerns, particularly among children who have lost family members, are on the rise.

The toll on the Gaza population is staggering, with over 30,000 Palestinians, including nearly 13,000 children, reported dead since the conflict began. Negotiations for a ceasefire, however, have hit an impasse in Egypt, despite the United States maintaining optimism that a deal can be reached.

Former Ambassador Anil Trigunayat provided insights into the dynamics of the negotiations, pointing out the pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu from the United States. Trigunayat emphasised that the US holds significant influence, but Netanyahu is seeking information on hostages from Hamas, a demand yet to be fulfilled. The Hamas insistence on a complete ceasefire poses challenges for Netanyahu's objectives, complicating the negotiation process.

Trigunayat also highlighted the disruption and defiance of international law by both sides, emphasising the disproportionate response to the conflict. The humanitarian catastrophe has garnered attention from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with calls from hundreds of countries for a swift ceasefire.

Amidst this crisis, Doctors Without Borders has appealed to the international community and world leaders, urging them to intervene. Farhat Mantoo specifically called upon India, emphasising its prominent role and urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leverage his influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and bring an end to the war on the Gaza Strip's population.