The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported a sharp increase in blindness cases due to the ongoing Israeli attacks. The ministry also warned that the only eye care hospital in the region may soon stop performing critical surgeries because of severe shortages in medical supplies.
Since the war began, around 1,500 people in Gaza have lost their sight, and another 4,000 are at high risk of going blind. The rise in cases is largely caused by a lack of essential medicines and surgical tools.
Dr. Abdelsalam Sabah, the Director of Gaza’s Eye Hospital, described the situation as “an almost total collapse.” He explained that surgeries for conditions like retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, and internal bleeding are at a near standstill.
“The health sector is facing a critical shortage of consumables and medical equipment for eye surgeries,” Dr. Sabah said. “This is leading to the near collapse of surgical services.”
He also noted that only three heavily worn surgical scissors remain for all operations, and they are being reused. This raises concerns about patient safety and limits the hospital’s ability to perform urgent procedures.
Key supplies, such as Healon and fine surgical sutures—necessary for treating explosion-related eye injuries—are almost gone, Dr. Sabah added.
Critical Shortages Across Gaza
The Ministry of Health has warned that shortages in medical supplies have reached alarming levels. A recent statement revealed that 64% of medical consumables are completely out of stock, and the supply of essential medications has dropped to just 57%, a 6% decrease from last month.
Hospitals are struggling to manage emergency rooms, intensive care units, and surgical theaters with dwindling supplies, as the number of critically injured patients continues to rise. People with kidney failure, cancer, heart conditions, and other chronic diseases are among those suffering the most.
The Ministry warned that if the blockade on medical aid continues, many health services may have to shut down completely.
Gaza’s Health System on the Edge
Months of continuous bombing have devastated Gaza’s health system. The eye care sector has been particularly affected because it relies on specialized and precise tools that are no longer available or cannot be sterilized.
The Ministry is calling on international health organizations and humanitarian groups to act quickly and deliver life-saving medical aid. Without immediate assistance, more people are at risk of permanent blindness.
This warning comes as the Health Ministry reports that the death toll in Gaza has reached 52,810, with 119,473 people injured since the Israeli campaign began.
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