The Israeli restrictions on importing essential medical supplies into the Gaza Strip have led to the halt of production of specialized masks to treat patients with severe burns, according to Doctors Without Borders. The organization's physical therapist, Fraas Swerjo, stated that the last mask produced using 3D printing technology for treating severe burns in Gaza was on October 14. He emphasized that the lack of basic materials has prevented the continuation of producing these masks and providing necessary care to patients.
Swerjo warned that the absence of specialized masks may lead to permanent disfigurement and disabilities affecting basic functions such as movement, vision, and breathing. He noted that medical teams observe the serious consequences of severe burns daily, with many patients being children who suffered burns from Israeli airstrikes or while cooking in crowded tents or over open fires. The organization has the expertise and medical capabilities to help patients but is unable to continue its work due to the lack of necessary materials.
The restrictions have significant implications for patients in Gaza, with many requiring urgent medical attention. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 21,000 patients and wounded individuals, including 5,250 children, need urgent medical evacuation outside the Gaza Strip to receive treatment. However, the process is often delayed due to restrictions on movement and access to medical care.
The "Save the Children" organization reported a 75% decline in the evacuation of wounded and sick children from Gaza to receive treatment abroad compared to the first year of the war. The organization expressed concern about the deteriorating situation for patients requiring medical care not available within the Gaza Strip. In Cairo, the organization warned of a potential closure of the "Gaza Small" center, which provides support to Palestinian children, due to funding shortages.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with many families struggling to access basic necessities. According to "Save the Children," 93% of those contacted are unable to afford their basic needs, 75% of families have no income, and 90% have no financial savings. The organization has provided support to approximately 18,000 Palestinians in Egypt since the start of the war.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 3,056 patients and wounded individuals have been evacuated for treatment abroad since February, with 2,614 crossing through the Rafah land border and 442 through the Kerem Shalom border crossing. However, 21,468 patients and wounded individuals still require urgent medical attention outside the Gaza Strip, including 6,430 priority cases.
The Ministry of Health renewed its call for the opening of the Rafah border crossing to facilitate the travel of patients and wounded individuals, stressing the need to increase the number of people allowed to travel daily to reduce accumulated waiting lists. The situation remains critical, with many lives at risk due to delays in medical treatment.
Key points
- Israeli restrictions on medical supplies have halted production of specialized burn treatment masks in Gaza.
- 21,000 patients and wounded individuals in Gaza require urgent medical evacuation outside the Gaza Strip.
- The situation in Gaza is dire, with many families struggling to access basic necessities.
