The Shutdown of the Gaza European Hospital
Cancer Clinic in Gaza Forced to Shut Down Following Attacks
The Gaza European Hospital, the sole provider of cancer treatments in Gaza, has shut down following the devastating impact of Israeli airstrikes, as stated by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. This catastrophic event transpired on May 13, leaving the hospital's premises damaged and no longer useable.
This heartbreaking closure has led to substantial consequences in terms of healthcare services. Among the specialized care that is now unavailable are:
- Neurosurgery
- Cardiac treatment
- Cancer treatment
- Thoracic surgery
- Cardiac catheterization center
- Ophthalmology
Aside from the Gaza European Hospital, the Nasser Hospital located in Khan Younis stands as the only remaining functional facility in the area. However, it too suffered damage on the same day due to Israeli strikes, adding further strain on the already strained healthcare system[1].
Israel's blockade on Gaza since March 2, 2025, has worsened the humanitarian crisis by prohibiting the entry of essential medical supplies and fuel, leaving residents without proper access to life-saving treatments. This harrowing situation has prompted humanitarian organizations to protest for immediate intervention and support[2].
References:
[1] [Link redacted for brevity]
[2] [Link redacted for brevity]
[3] [Link redacted for brevity]
- The community policy should address the immediate need for medical supplies and fuel to alleviate the ongoing crisis in Gaza, given that the Israeli blockade since March 2, 2025, has exacerbated the humanitarian situation.
- The health policy must prioritize the rebuilding and the restoration of facilities like the Gaza European Hospital to ensure adequate healthcare services for the inhabitants of Gaza, particularly specialized care centers for conditions such as cancer, neurosurgery, cardiac treatment, thoracic surgery, cardiac catheterization, and ophthalmology.
- In the context of war and conflicts, science and medical advancements must be integrated into health policy to develop more effective treatments for cancer and other medical-conditions, aiming to significantly reduce mortality rates and enhance health-and-wellness in war-stricken regions like Gaza.
- The general news media play a crucial role in publicizing the plight of Gaza's healthcare system and escalating political attention towards the issue, leading to advocacy for international support and the formulation of favorable health policies that benefit the people of Gaza.
