Gaza: MSF opens a second field hospital in Deir Al Balah
As Israeli forces continue to bomb Gaza, the health system is on its knees. Today, MSF opened a second field hospital in Deir Al Balah and have begun outpatient consultations. The expansion of other services depends on Israeli authorities, who have delayed supplies entering Gaza.
The new field hospital is only needed due to the destruction of the healthcare system. The best way to provide care for the population in Gaza is to protect and support the existing facilities while allowing safe access to them.
As 19 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are currently non-functional, field hospitals are the last resort to provide lifesaving care. An immediate and permanent ceasefire is the only solution to provide people in Gaza with the proper healthcare they so desperately need.
Since the start of the war, MSF has had to leave 14 health structures, including hospitals, due to evacuation orders by Israeli authorities, fighting in the surrounding areas, or direct attacks.
As so-called humanitarian zones have been repeatedly bombed by Israeli forces, the protection of these field hospitals as well as the last remaining hospitals across Gaza must be ensured.
Kate Lee