Rafah, Gaza—The Kuwait Specialty Hospital, the last remaining 24-hour medical facility in Rafah, is on the brink of closure due to severe fuel and supply shortages. Since the Israeli army launched a military operation in Rafah on May 6, the humanitarian crisis in the region has escalated dramatically.
Attempts to deliver humanitarian aid have been disrupted following the capture of the Rafah crossing, the primary entry point for goods and assistance into Gaza. The blockade has led to a crippling shortage of medical supplies and fuel necessary to keep hospital generators running.
CGTN Stringer interviewed Dr. Ahmed, a physician at Kuwait Specialty Hospital, who expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating situation. “Our fuel reserves are nearly depleted. Without electricity, critical equipment like ventilators and incubators will cease to function,” he warned.
Sara, a mother staying by her child’s bedside, shared her fears. “I don’t know what we will do if the hospital closes. My child needs constant care, and there is nowhere else to go,” she said, her voice heavy with despair.
The disruption of medical services not only affects patients currently in care but also those requiring urgent medical attention due to ongoing conflicts. With increasing casualties and the healthcare system under immense strain, the risk of a broader humanitarian disaster looms.
International organizations have called for immediate action to reopen the Rafah crossing and allow the flow of essential aid. “Access to medical care is a fundamental human right. We urge all parties to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance,” a spokesperson for the World Health Organization stated.
As the crisis deepens, the residents of Rafah face an uncertain future. The international community watches closely, but for those in need of immediate help, time is running out.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
