Ismail Al-Thawabteh, head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, said on Thursday the healthcare sector remains in a state of severe collapse even after a ceasefire — which began on October 10 — with acute shortages of medicines, anesthetics, and medical supplies, Press TV reported. 

He stated that due to the lack of anesthesia drugs and essential equipment, surgical operations in several hospitals have been partially or completely halted.

He warned that suspending surgeries places patients at serious risk of death or permanent disability.

Al-Thawabteh added that nearly 500,000 surgical procedures are currently on hold as Gaza’s healthcare system approaches total breakdown.

“According to Ministry of Health warnings, the situation is extremely critical and nearing complete paralysis,” he said, noting that remaining hospitals are operating beyond capacity with limited fuel, staff shortages, and reduced operational capability.

Al-Thawabteh underlined that medical supplies entering Gaza meet less than 10 percent of actual needs and are consumed immediately upon arrival, without leading to any sustainable improvement in health conditions.

The Israelis, he noted, “ban the entry of vital medical equipment under false security pretexts. This policy amounts to using medicine and medical treatment as a weapon against civilians.”

He called for immediate international intervention and the unconditional opening of all border crossings to save lives in Gaza.

MNA