[REVISION HISTORY]

Gaza health system faces historic collapse and shortages

Updated 23 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-14 08:54 UTC → 2026-09-18 23:33 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Gaza health system is entering what Health Minister Majid Abu Ramadan described as the “most dangerous phase in its history.” By late July 2026, the Ministry of Health reported unprecedented occupancy rates, with emergency services treating nearly one million patients in the first half of the year. However, the system is nearing collapse: 26 of 38 hospitals are out of service, basic medicines are short by over 50%, and laboratory reagents are lacking by more than 87%. Critical shortages have intensified. By early August 2026, overall drug availability fell to 47%, with 61% of medications for cancer and blood disorders missing. By August 10, the Palestinian Ministry of Health warned that over 726 pharmaceutical items had reached zero stock in central warehouses, placing the lives of over 4,000 cancer patients and thousands of dialysis patients at direct risk. Officials attributed the worsening scarcity to the withholding of Palestinian clearance funds. The crisis regarding medical oxygen and power has reached a breaking point. By mid-August 2026, the Ministry reported that only 12 of 34 oxygen generation stations remain operational. This shortage specifically threatens 72 intensive care units, 54 neonatal and premature infant care units, and 19 pediatric intensive care units. Furthermore, only 4 of 30 oxygen cylinder filling machines remain in use. By late August 2026, only 19 of 38 hospitals remained functional. By ~~early September 2026, the destruction of medical infrastructure has forced healthcare professionals to operate from makeshift tents. By~~ mid-September 2026, shortages of incubators and oxygen have severely impacted neonatal care. At Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, medical staff have been forced to place multiple infants in single incubators. Hatem Dhahir, head of the neonatal department at Nasser Hospital, described the situation as “dire” and “catastrophic.” In mid-September 2026, the crisis deepened as the World Health Organization announced it would suspend diesel supplies to more than 20 hospitals and health centers effective September 19 due to a funding shortfall. This suspension threatens intensive care units, ventilators, and the cold chains required for vaccines.

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