Gaza:The Palestinian Red Crescent Society in the Gaza Strip is facing a severe operational crisis, with 37 ambulances out of service due to Israeli targeting during the ongoing conflict, exacerbating the region's health and humanitarian challenges.
According to Maan News Agency, Raed Al-Nams, spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, highlighted the worsening situation, citing a severe shortage of medical supplies and relief resources. He noted that these challenges are compounded by continued Israeli restrictions on the entry of necessary supplies, as well as the recent flooding that has affected tens of thousands of tents housing displaced individuals.
Al-Nams described the dire working conditions for Red Crescent teams, who are responding to emergencies amid the depletion of medical resources and damage to their facilities and vehicles. The inability to repair ambulances due to restricted access to spare parts has severely hampered their response capabilities, further limiting medical teams' ability to provide urgent care.
The recent low-pressure system and resulting floods have increased the pressure on rescue teams, with about 70,000 tents affected. The Red Crescent has had to redistribute operational ambulances across the Gaza Strip to maintain their response efforts despite fuel shortages and limited operational capacity.
Even with the ceasefire, Al-Nams reported that Israeli attacks continue, placing additional strain on hospitals and health centers. Efforts to restore essential medical services, such as cardiac and eye care, face difficulties due to the rising number of patients and limited resources.
Al-Nams also warned about the critical situation for patients needing treatment outside the Gaza Strip, as evacuation operations remain insufficient. He urged the international community to pressure Israel to open crossings and enable the flow of humanitarian aid, emphasizing the commitment of Red Crescent teams to their humanitarian mission despite significant challenges.