Gaza's health facilities devastated as only one hospital remains operational

The United Nations held a press conference on February 7, 2025, where the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the dire health crisis in Gaza. The meeting focused on the severe shortage of functional health facilities and the overwhelming impact of the ongoing conflict on the mental health of the population.

Currently, only 18 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are partly functional, and just 55 of the 143 primary health care centers are operational. The total bed capacity has plummeted to 1,900, down from over 3,500 before the crisis. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds and incubators, leaving many patients without adequate care.

Mental health issues have surged, affecting everyone in Gaza due to the prolonged conflict. The WHO reported that there are only two psychiatrists in northern Gaza, with very few mental health professionals available. Prior to the war, mental health services were already limited, but the destruction of facilities and the loss of support networks have worsened the situation significantly.

The WHO has been working to scale up its health response, receiving and dispatching supplies to meet the needs of over 106,000 people. However, the destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, generators, and desalination plants, has severely hindered these efforts. The situation in northern Gaza is particularly alarming, with reports indicating that over a million people are now affected.

The press conference underscored the urgent need for international support and intervention to address the health crisis in Gaza, as the region grapples with the devastating consequences of ongoing conflict and destruction.