At least 7 billion dollars are required to rebuild the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) of the UN, at least 7 billion dollars are needed to fully restore the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip.
According to Rick Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for the Palestinian territories, the medical infrastructure in the area has been seriously damaged, the majority of hospitals are not operational, and there is a shortage of nurses and doctors observed.
"The majority of health facilities in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or severely damaged. This is causing major problems in meeting the medical needs of the population," — said Peeperkorn.
He mentioned that currently, about 18 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza have been partially reactivated. Additionally, five field hospitals are also operational. This was made possible by the dedication and resilience of Palestinian medical personnel and partners, who did not cease to assist the wounded and sick, even under the regular and devastating strikes of the invading Israeli army forces did not stop.
According to Britain's Guardian newspaper, the Israeli army killed 46,000 civilians in the Gaza Strip (the majority of whom were women and children), nearly 400 medical personnel. In addition, more than 160 medical workers have been thrown into Israeli prisons for various reasons and have not yet been released. These prisoners are regularly subjected to torture. Also, about 30 medical personnel have disappeared without a trace.
The World Health Organization has expressed deep concern about the health and safety of the imprisoned doctors.
According to Doctor Peeperkorn, it was important to cease fire in all sectors, including healthcare, and to move towards a stable peace process. He emphasized that the restoration of the healthcare sector requires not just financial resources, but the efforts of the entire global community. The WHO has called on the international community to expand medical aid in the Gaza Strip and finance the rapid restoration process.
Abdullah Sayyid
