Gaza’s Health Emergency: Unprecedented Humanitarian Impact of the Recent War on Public Health
摘要
The recent war (October 2023–January 2025) on Gaza has triggered an unparalleled health crisis, resulting in a devastating humanitarian toll and extensive public health repercussions. This chapter explores the multifaceted impact of continuous military actions and hostilities on Gaza’s healthcare system, infrastructure, and population health. The relentless bombardment and ground operations have caused huge loss of life and devastated medical facilities, severely restricting access to essential healthcare services. Moreover, the destruction of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and medical personnel and facilities, and the lack of fuel have led to acute shortages of medical supplies and workers, further exacerbating the public health crisis. The chapter provides a detailed analysis of the health effects of this assault on the civilian population in Gaza, highlighting the dramatic increase in malnutrition, infectious diseases, and mental health disorders. By drawing on recent data and reports from government and nongovernmental agencies, as well as recent scientific journal publications, the chapter underscores the urgent need for comprehensive international humanitarian intervention and sustainable solutions to address the public health disaster in Gaza. This work aims to contribute to the global discourse on war-related health emergencies, advocating for enhanced support mechanisms and policy changes to mitigate the impact of such crises on vulnerable populations.