Over 400 dialysis patients die from lack of treatment in Gaza conflict

Gaza has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has lasted for 18 months. Health officials report that more than 400 dialysis patients have died as a direct result of inadequate medical treatment during this period. This alarming situation has arisen from the destruction of healthcare facilities, restricted access to medical supplies, and the blockade imposed by Israel. Six out of seven dialysis centers in the Gaza Strip have been reported as destroyed, compounding the already dire situation for those suffering from kidney failure. The territory originally had 182 dialysis machines, but this number has dwindled to just 102 due to the ongoing conflict. Patients are now forced to cope with decreased treatment access and shorter sessions, which is contributing to deteriorating health outcomes. In addition to the death toll among dialysis patients, many have been displaced multiple times as fighting intensifies throughout Gaza. One patient, who has faced numerous displacements since the war began, shared the deeply personal toll that frequent relocations combined with inadequate medical care has had on his life. He struggles to access basic necessities such as clean drinking water, which is crucial for his treatment and overall health. Facilities that used to provide critical support have been left in ruins, placing extra burden on the remaining healthcare infrastructure that is already overwhelmed. Doctors at Shifa Hospital continue to witness the effects of the crisis, reporting increasing instances of patients missing dialysis sessions due to travel restrictions. The World Health Organization has raised alarms over the situation, affirming the destructive impact of the war on health services in Gaza. Evacuation orders by Israel have made it exceedingly difficult for patients to gain access to necessary treatment, contributing to this overwhelming health crisis. The Gaza Health Ministry emphasizes that while some medical supplies have been permitted to enter through crossings, the overall restrictions have severely compromised patient care and lives are being lost as a consequence. The plight of dialysis patients in Gaza encapsulates the broader humanitarian challenges faced by residents as the conflict continues unabated. The combination of limited resources, destruction of medical facilities, and the psychological impact of war is causing distress not only for patients but also their families. The future for patients requiring regular treatment remains uncertain, with ongoing instability posing continual threats to their health and safety.