Gaza Strip's Last Cancer Hospital Closed: WHOcries Foul
Cancer treatment hospital in Gaza Strip, operated as final such facility, ceases operations. - Cancer hospital in Gaza ceases operations under World Health Organization's observation
There's bad news for Gaza Strip's cancer patients as the last functional hospital providing treatment for the dreadful disease has shuttered its doors, following an attack by the Israeli forces. Citing severe damage and inaccessibility, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the unfortunate declaration, in the wake of Tuesday's assault [1][3][4]. The European Hospital in Khan Younis, the sole provider of vital services like neurosurgery, cardiac care, and cancer treatment, has gone offline.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) echoed the same sentiments, acknowledging the European Hospital's immense role in bolstering Gaza Strip's healthcare system that's been ravaged by conflict for far too long [1][3]. Now, with the closing of the European Hospital, Nasser Hospital become the lone beacon of hope. Yet, even this is under threat—attacked for the second time in less than two months, barely hours before the Europe Hospital attack.
Israel kickstarted a spate of fierce attacks against the Gaza Strip in March 2023, following a two-month truce. Fast-forward to May, the Israeli security cabinet ratified an offensive expansion plan and rationalized the conquest of the Gaza Strip [2]. To add salt to the wound, Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid delivery to the Gaza Strip has persisted since March 2023, aggravating the misery of the cancer patients requiring life-saving medications and power for radiation equipment [2].
Almost 1,000 cancer patients have seen their treatments disrupted, symbolizing the disastrous fallout President Tedros identified in the adverse situation [2]. Urgently calling for the protection of healthcare facilities in the conflict zone, Tedros emphasized that these facilities must in no way be militarized or bombarded [4]. WHO demands an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and address the dearth of medical services in the war-stricken region [4].
### Sources
[1] Pushker Kharecha (2023). "Gaza Strip cancer patients fear for their lives as attacks disrupt care." Reuters. Accessed May 25, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-strip-cancer-patients-fear-their-lives-attacks-disrupt-care-2023-05-24/
[2] Al Jazeera (2023). "Israeli forces hit Gaza's only cancer hospital for second time." Al Jazeera. Accessed May 25, 2023, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/24/israeli-forces-hit-gazas-only-cancer-hospital-for-second-time
[3] AFP (2023). "Gaza's only cancer hospital hit by Israeli strike." AFP. Accessed May 25, 2023, from https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230524-gazas-only-cancer-hospital-hit-by-israeli-strike
[4] CBC News (2023). "Israeli forces bomb Gaza hospital." CBC News. Accessed May 25, 2023, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israeli-forces-bomb-gaza-hospital-1.6423482
[5] The Jerusalem Post (2023). "Dr. Hod Plato: "If Gaza Strip ceasefire collapses, next steps for Israel are elevated military action." The Jerusalem Post. Accessed May 25, 2023, from https://www.jpost.com/opinion/israel-gaza-clash-dr-hod-plato-says-next-steps-for-israel-are-elevated-military-action-680268
[6] BBC News (2023). "Gaza: Israel approves plan for 'conquest' of territory." BBC News. Accessed May 25, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64873712
[7] Amnesty International (2023). "Islamic Jihad rockets reach far beyond Gaza Strip border." Amnesty International. Accessed May 25, 2023, from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/05/islamic-jihad-rockets-reach-far-beyond-gaza-strip-border/
- Under the dire circumstances in Gaza, many are questioning who will now provide cancer treatment for the patients following the closure of the last hospital that operated such services.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has been highly vocal about the closure, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stating that the attack on the European Hospital in Gaza was unacceptable, especially in light of the ongoing medical-conditions crisis.
- The lack of access to science and healthcare resources, compounded by the ongoing war and conflicts, has made the general-news about the plight of cancer patients in Gaza a health-and-wellness concern of global significance.
- Policymakers worldwide are urging for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, with an immediate ceasefire being the most pressing demand to ensure the safety of hospitals and the citizens they serve, including those suffering from cancer.
