Gaza’s collapsing healthcare system is now facing a critical blood shortage, as widespread malnutrition caused by Israel’s ongoing blockade prevents Palestinians from donating. With aid cut off and medical facilities under attack, officials warn the crisis is spiraling.
Hospitals across Gaza are sounding the alarm over a severe blood shortage as Israeli attacks and a hunger crisis deepen the humanitarian catastrophe.
“We’ve seen people begging to donate blood for their loved ones, but they are being turned away,” said Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud from Gaza City. “They are too dehydrated and malnourished to safely give blood.”
Amani Abu Ouda, head of al-Shifa Hospital’s blood bank, explained that malnutrition is compromising the safety of donations. “Many donors faint seconds after giving blood,” she said. “It endangers them and wastes a much-needed blood unit.”
With more than 14,800 patients still in urgent need of specialized medical treatment, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the international community to expedite medical evacuations.
Hunger claims more lives as aid seekers are shot
The death toll from Israel’s blockade-induced hunger continues to rise, with at least 193 Palestinians, including five in the past 24 hours, dying due to starvation.
Tragically, 18 more people seeking food aid were killed on Wednesday after Israeli forces opened fire near UN and GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Front) aid distribution sites. According to Palestinian health officials, more than 1,560 aid seekers have been killed since GHF began operations in May.
Human rights experts and UN special rapporteurs have denounced GHF, calling for it to be dismantled, citing the agency’s alleged manipulation of humanitarian aid for military and political objectives.
Israel’s airstrikes and blockade continue unabated
Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday killed at least 44 Palestinians, including victims of an attack on the Sheikh Radwan Health Centre in Gaza City, which had previously served displaced families.
Displaced resident Ghaleb Tafesh described the chaos: “There was no time to grab anything – no food, no clothes. We just ran.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s blockade has extended to medical supplies and fuel, forcing many hospitals to shut down due to power shortages. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq warned that fuel restrictions are crippling lifesaving operations.
Famine looms as food production destroyed
Gaza’s food production has been virtually annihilated. A new UN report revealed that only 8.6% of cropland remains accessible, and just 1.5% is undamaged after mass evacuations and Israeli military action.
With agricultural land destroyed and imports blocked, Gaza’s 2 million residents are entirely dependent on foreign aid – most of which remains obstructed.
Protests erupt as fears grow of wider military offensive
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly prepares to announce an expanded military campaign, including a possible reoccupation of Gaza, fears of further devastation are mounting.
Hamas has called for global protests, urging demonstrators to pressure the US and Israel. “We call for escalating popular pressure… with marches, protests and demonstrations in front of Zionist and US embassies,” the group stated.
The UN called reports of expanded operations “deeply alarming”, warning of massive civilian casualties if the offensive extends to more densely populated areas.
Desperate plea for peace
With more than 61,158 Palestinians, including 18,430 children, killed since October 2023, the war’s human toll continues to rise. The latest deaths have intensified calls for a ceasefire – but mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas have collapsed.
“Where will we go?” asked Tamer al-Burai, displaced and now living in a makeshift shelter near Deir el-Balah. “Should people jump into the sea or die under the rubble?”
As the world watches, Gaza’s people are left with few options – trapped between bombs, starvation, and a broken healthcare system on the verge of total collapse.
