Health System Crisis for Cancer Patients in Gaza
Cancer patients in Gaza are facing a worsening crisis as the war has destroyed hospitals, blocked medical supplies, and left specialist doctors in short supply.
The ongoing attacks have damaged or destroyed major hospitals, including cancer units. The few that remain open are overcrowded and short of medicines, machines, and trained staff.
“We have patients who need chemotherapy, but we have no drugs and no proper equipment,” said a doctor at Gaza’s main hospital.
The blockade has stopped essential cancer medicines and diagnostic tools from entering Gaza. As a result, doctors report more deaths from conditions that could have been treated in normal times.
Lack of Nutrition Makes Patients Weaker
The situation for cancer patients in Gaza is made worse by food shortages.Damage to Gaza’s supply chains means proteins, fruits, and vegetables are hard to find. This is especially dangerous for cancer patients, who need good nutrition to handle treatments like chemotherapy.
“Our patients are fighting cancer while also fighting hunger,” said a nurse in Rafah.
No Way to Travel for Treatment
Many cancer patients in Gaza once relied on travel permits to get treatment in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, or abroad. Now, with borders closed, that option is gone.
Ahmed, whose father is seriously ill, said: “We tried three times to get him to Egypt for chemotherapy, but we were refused each time. Now he is too weak to move.”
Emotional and Mental Strain
Cancer patients also face extreme stress and fear. With no counseling or mental health services, they are left to cope alone, often while under constant bombardment.
Calls for Urgent Action
Humanitarian groups are calling on Israel to allow life-saving medicines, food, and medical teams into Gaza, and to let patients travel for treatment. The World Health Organization has warned that many more will die if urgent action is not taken.
