Gaza: The weakest suffer the most

After seven weeks of ceasefire, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis remains dire. Despite better access to food and supplies, months of hardship have taken a toll. “Most of my patients still suffer from anemia, low hemoglobin, and severe muscle loss,” says Dr. Osama Hamed from Polish Medical Mission. “We also lack surgical tools and disposable medical supplies.” The situation worsened after Israel imposed a humanitarian blockade on March 2.

While aid initially improved conditions, Gaza remains devastated—69% of buildings are damaged, and 90% of residents were displaced at the ceasefire’s start. Many have no homes to return to.

– For over a year, Gaza has been hell for civilians. Blocking aid and cutting power will only bring them back to the brink – warns Małgorzata Olasińska-Chart of Polish Medical Mission –Malnourished patients need consistent care, not intermittent relief.

Food prices remain over twice as high as before the escalation, making proper nutrition unattainable for many. Beyond food, lack of water and hygiene products weakens immune systems and slows recovery post-surgery. The Polish Medical Mission continues to support Gaza, funding doctors from Jordan, Qatar, and Oman, facilitating safe medical access, and delivering humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, warm clothing, and infant formula.

Since the conflict escalated, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports at least 48 467 Palestinian deaths—potentially 40% higher, according to The Lancet. Around 75-80% were civilians. On the Israeli side, over 1 600 people were killed, about half in the October 7, 2023 attack.