What is the current situation for healthcare in Gaza? Infrastructure damage, risks to health, and UK government response

House of Lords Library
Jan 13, 2025

What is the current situation for healthcare in Gaza? Infrastructure damage, risks to health, and UK government response


Gaza’s healthcare system is in crisis. Most facilities are damaged beyond use, and those remaining open face shortages of water, fuel and medical supplies. Gaza’s 1.9 million displaced people are at risk of malnutrition, starvation and the spread of infectious diseases. The UK government has called for civilians and medics to be protected, for aid and relief agencies to have consistent access, and for an end to the conflict.

 

On 16 January 2025 the House of Lords will consider the following topical question for short debate:

Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws (Labour) to ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the healthcare system in Gaza.

1. Overview of the current situation for the healthcare system in Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the worsening situation for healthcare in Gaza since the October 2023 escalation of conflict in the region:

Airstrikes and a lack of medical supplies, food, water and fuel have virtually depleted an already under-resourced health system. Hospitals have been operating far beyond capacity due to rising numbers of patients as well as displaced civilians seeking shelter. The provision of essential health services—from maternal and newborn care to treatment for chronic conditions—has been severely compromised, due to the lack of access and hostilities near hospitals.[1]