Doctors and medical workers in Gaza say they are growing too weak from hunger to continue treating patients, as widespread food shortages leave hospitals overwhelmed with malnourished and wounded civilians.
Nearly a dozen healthcare workers across Gaza told The Guardian and the Arabic Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) that their physical health is rapidly deteriorating. Many are going days without food, while still enduring long, grueling shifts in hospitals barely able to function.
“Our staff are collapsing from sheer exhaustion. Some have fainted mid-surgery,” said Dr. Mohammed Abu Selmia, director of al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. He added that none of the medical staff—or their families—have received any food or aid in the past 48 hours.
“Soon, we won’t be able to continue. Medical services are on the verge of collapse because of the famine we’re facing,” he warned.
Many doctors spoke anonymously, fearing retaliation from the Israeli military.
“At the hospital, we usually get a small meal of rice during a shift,” said one physician at al-Shifa. “Today, they said there was nothing. My colleague and I treated 60 neurosurgery cases, and now I can barely stand.”
Another doctor said: “I’ve had nothing to eat since yesterday. My family has no food. All day, I worry about how to find flour, lentils—anything. But the markets are empty. We’re so weak we can hardly walk.”
At Nasser Medical Complex, a surgeon said malnourished patients are pouring in with symptoms like fainting, low blood sugar, and severe gastrointestinal problems. He said he had to pause surgery on a young girl shot in the abdomen because of his own dangerously low blood pressure after not eating for two days.
Post-operative complications are increasing as patients’ immune systems weaken from lack of nutrition, he added.
While doctors continue working, Abu Selmia said the conditions are growing impossible. “Twenty-one children have died from starvation and malnutrition in the past three days alone,” he said. “Many more are dying quietly, in their homes or tents, without ever making it to the hospital.”
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini confirmed that reports are growing of aid and healthcare workers fainting from hunger. Some staff are forced to choose between remaining on duty or risking their lives searching for food for their families.
Several expressed fear about approaching food distribution points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, as these sites—guarded by Israeli troops—are the only remaining sources of aid and have been the sites of deadly incidents. According to the UN, over 1,000 people have died seeking food from aid convoys or distribution centers since May.
Gaza’s healthcare system has been devastated after nearly two years of war. According to the World Health Organization, 94% of Gaza’s hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Only 19 of the Strip’s 36 hospitals are still partially operational.
“Healthcare workers in Gaza are now reporting extreme food insecurity, repeated illness, severe fatigue, and fainting while performing surgeries or emergency rescues,” said Dr. Muath Alser, head of Healthcare Worker Watch. “This isn’t a crisis that can be addressed with statements. We need urgent, real intervention.”
In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it is facilitating humanitarian aid deliveries and reviewing incidents where civilians were harmed near distribution centers. The IDF said internal investigations have been launched and new instructions were issued to forces in the field.
