Gaza: Humanitarian Operations in a Devastating Landscape

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, the situation on the ground remains dire, with millions of Palestinians facing extreme hardship. Doctors of the World has been at the forefront of the emergency response, providing critical medical and mental health support services despite overwhelming challenges.

Current Situation in Gaza

The humanitarian landscape in Gaza has reached a breaking point. A staggering 83% of the Gaza Strip is now subject to so-called “evacuation orders” or has been designated as “no-go zones” by Israeli forces. This effectively means that Gaza’s 2.1 million residents are expected to seek refuge in a mere 17% of the territory—a task that is both logistically and humanely impossible.

The harsh living conditions are exacerbated by severe food insecurity, with nearly half a million people facing catastrophic levels of hunger. Water availability has plummeted by 94% since October 2023, leaving families without access to this most basic necessity. The recent Israeli airstrike on a school in Deir al-Balah on July 27, which claimed the lives of at least 30 people, including children, is just one tragic example of the relentless violence that has devastated civilian life. This school also housed one of Gaza’s primary mental health service providers, a critical resource that has now been lost.

Humanitarian Access Constraints

Humanitarian efforts are severely hampered by numerous access constraints. The Israeli blockade, in place since October 9, 2023, has resulted in acute shortages of essential supplies, including fuel and medical equipment. The ongoing military operations, including attacks on designated “humanitarian zones,” have further complicated aid delivery. Border closures and movement restrictions add another layer of difficulty, while the breakdown of public order increases the risk of looting, making aid distribution perilous.

Key Figures as of July 2024

• 39,145 reported fatalities
• 90,257 reported injuries
• Around 1.9 million internally displaced persons (90% of Gaza)
• 16 hospitals are partially functional out of 36
• 48 primary health care centers are functional out of 107

Doctors of the World: Our Humanitarian Response

In the face of these overwhelming challenges, Doctors of the World remains steadfast in our commitment to providing aid to the people of Gaza. Since the beginning of our emergency response, we have delivered 98,817 consultations across eight operational medical points, with a ninth point expected to open soon.

Our teams, composed of experienced managers, medical professionals, and mental health specialists, are working tirelessly to implement our programs with the highest standards of care, despite the risks and constraints.

Our teams were forced to relocate from Rafah to Dar el Balah due to successive evacuation orders. As hostilities draw nearer, the risk of further displacement looms large, threatening the continuity of our operations. The severe shortage of fuel, medical supplies, and equipment continues to threaten the functioning of the few remaining health facilities. Movement restrictions, particularly since the closure of Rafah, only make things worse.

Our Commitment

Despite these immense challenges, Doctors of the World’s 78 staff members, alongside our network, remain dedicated to delivering critical healthcare and support to the people of Gaza. We will continue to adapt and respond to the evolving situation.

The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe that demands urgent and sustained international attention. We call on the global community to support our efforts in advocating for a permanent ceasefire, for unhindered humanitarian access, and for justice.