The Gaza Strip’s feeble health system was struggling with a surge in coronavirus cases even before the violence broke out in the region following escalating tensions with Israel. Last month, Gaza’s daily coronavirus cases and deaths hit record highs. In the wake of the surging cases, authorities cleared out hospital operating rooms and redeployed doctors to patients having difficulty in breathing.
Now with Israel pounding Gaza with airstrikes doctors across the crowded coastal enclave are reallocating intensive care unit beds treating blast and shrapnel wounds. This week’s violence between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers has killed 103 Palestinians, including 27 children, and wounded 530 people in the impoverished territory.
The impoverished health care system in the territory of more than 2 million people has always been vulnerable. Gaza Health Ministry official fears total collapse amid casualties coming from all directions.