Gaza - Saba:
Hospitals in the Gaza Strip are facing a severe health catastrophe due to a critical shortage of blood units, threatening the lives of thousands of Palestinian patients and wounded individuals under the suffocating siege and ongoing aggression.
Dr. Sofia Zaarab, Director of the Laboratory and Blood Bank Unit at Gaza hospitals, told the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) on Monday that the situation has become disastrous. "The brutal aggression has led to a surge in critical injuries, in addition to the daily needs of chronic patients, such as those with cancer and thalassemia," she said.
"Despite the efforts of families, poor nutrition and the collapse of public health have turned the task of securing blood into a nearly impossible battle."
She noted that low blood levels among citizens have reduced the number of medically eligible donors, exacerbating the crisis, especially since blood banks cannot store units for more than 35 days.
With immense pressure on blood banks, hospitals have issued urgent appeals to import blood units from abroad. However, the tightened siege has prevented any vital medical aid from entering since March 18.
"We are screaming to the world that we urgently need blood units and medicines to save lives. Every day of delay means losing more patients," Dr. Zaarab added.
She also warned that the health catastrophe will not stop at the blood shortage but will extend to the collapse of the entire healthcare system if the situation persists. "Every minute without intervention, Gaza loses another part of its pulse."
Amid this grim and tragic reality, Gaza’s medical sector is calling on the international community and humanitarian organizations to intervene immediately by opening crossings to allow the entry of blood units and medical supplies—before more lives are lost in the besieged enclave.
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