Gaza: Medical supplies blocked amid continuing violence and disease risks, UN warns

What happened

UN News reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN agencies have highlighted dire health conditions in Gaza, where essential medical supplies remain blocked despite continuing violence and growing disease threats. Dr. Renee Van de Weerdt, WHO representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said since the October 2025 ceasefire, over 880 people have been killed and more than 2,600 injured in the Strip, with persistent gunfire and bombings disrupting daily life.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. The WHO official detailed serious impacts on Gaza’s health infrastructure, noting that only about half of hospitals remain partially functional, with none fully operational. Critical shortages of laboratory equipment, reagents, oxygen concentrators, and orthopedic items - all vital for diagnosing diseases and treating patients - are worsening the crisis. She emphasized concerns over outbreaks of diseases such as hantavirus and Ebola, exacerbated by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and rodent infestations.

Dr. Van de Weerdt explained that Israeli restrictions classify some medical supplies, including prosthetic limbs needed by thousands of amputees, as 'dual-use' items potentially linked to military applications, which complicates their entry. The lack of such equipment means corrective surgeries cannot currently be performed in Gaza, forcing patients to wait for evacuation. The WHO facilitates medical evacuations primarily via the Rafah crossing to Egypt and more limited pathways to Jordan from Kerem Shalom, though these evacuations are fraught with logistical and family safety challenges.

Known from the source

• Since the October 2025 ceasefire, at least 880 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 2,600 injured according to WHO.
• Only about half of Gaza hospitals are partially functional, with none fully operational.
• Medical supplies such as laboratory equipment, reagents, oxygen concentrators, and prosthetics are blocked from entering Gaza.
• UNRWA provides approximately 40% of medical consultations in Gaza and has faced bans on bringing medicines into Gaza and the West Bank.
• Nearly 400 UNRWA staff have been killed during the Gaza conflict.

What remains unclear

UNRWA, which provides about 40% of medical consultations in Gaza, reported operational difficulties due to Israeli parliamentary bans restricting its ability to bring medicines into Gaza and the West Bank. Such restrictions have led to the closure of two health centers in East Jerusalem and have caused significant staff casualties during the conflict, including nearly 400 UNRWA personnel killed. UNRWA’s continued role remains critical despite these obstacles.

What remains unclear: Exact numbers of wounded and fatalities from the WHO report and any independent confirmation. Current operational status of hospitals beyond WHO’s statement on partial functionality. Verification of Israeli restrictions on specific medical supplies labeled as dual-use. Details on the capacity and frequency of medical evacuations via Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: UN News Middle East Gaza. Open the source.