Gaza – SABA:
The Director-General of Gaza’s Health Ministry, Munir al-Bursh, issued a dire warning on Monday about the collapsing health situation in the Strip, confirming that Gaza is approaching Stage Five famine, with children being the first victims. This comes amid widespread disease outbreaks, acute malnutrition, and a near-total lack of medical treatment and clean water.
In statements to Al Jazeera, al-Bursh said, "Diseases are devastating children in a tragic manner," pointing out that contaminated water is the main cause behind the spread of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a severe neurological disorder that can lead to paralysis. Meanwhile, Gaza lacks the necessary medical resources to treat such cases.
He added that the Health Ministry had previously warned of an imminent epidemic explosion, stressing that conditions have now reached the point of "mass death" due to the absence of medicines and the deterioration of health services.
Al-Bursh also reported the emergence of other deadly diseases, such as meningitis, since the beginning of the year, further complicating Gaza’s health crisis under blockade, where even the most basic necessities of life are unavailable.
He emphasized that vulnerable groups, especially children, are the first to suffer from worsening health conditions and malnutrition, warning that the continued blockade of essential supplies "means we are on the brink of Stage Five famine"—the most severe and dangerous phase according to international famine classifications.
- Unprecedented hunger crisis since Israel closed all crossings in March 2024, severely restricting food, medical aid, and fuel.
- Markets are empty, finding a loaf of bread is nearly impossible, and available goods are sold at skyrocketing prices.
- "Death by starvation" has become a leading cause of mortality.
- Over 70% of health facilities are out of service due to direct attacks or depleted resources.
- Tens of thousands of wounded, mostly children, women, cancer patients, and chronic disease sufferers, urgently need treatment outside Gaza—but medical transfers remain blocked.
Gaza’s healthcare system has been on the verge of total collapse since Israel’s aggression began in October 2023, under a suffocating siege that prevents the entry of medical supplies, fuel, and medicines. The international community’s inaction continues to exacerbate what is now one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time.
| more of (International) |