Palestine: Gaza has reached a 'catastrophic stage'

Authorities in Gaza say the enclave is losing its battle against the coronavirus and is on the verge of collapse.

Medical workers in Gaza face a serious shortage of equipment to battle the quickly spreading COVID-19 outbreak [Walid Mahmoud/Al Jazeera]

The number of daily infections and hospitalization is pushing the enclave's health care system to its knees, according to Palestian's ministry of health.

"In the Gaza Strip, there are about 500 [hospital] beds scattered across the coastal enclave…. But considering some 5,000 Palestinians live in each square kilometre in Gaza, these hospitals can’t accommodate all cases,” Dr. Fathi Abuwarda, adviser to the minister of health, said.

Making matters worse, Israelis forcing, even during the pandemic, are blocking Gaza from receiving desperately needed goods such as testing kits and PPEs.

“The Gaza Strip lacks oxygen-generating machines, ventilators, protective gear, and hygiene materials,” said Dr Basim Naim, head of international relations in the Hamas-led government.

Gaza also lacks 32% of the drugs needed to carry out supportive care treatment for infected patients as well as 62% of the drugs and material needed in medical labs.

The spokesperson to the minister of health said the only option on the table is for Gaza to enter a 14 lockdown that will most likely devastate the enclave's already bleeding economy.

By: Niza Nondo