A recent report from a Medical NGO has shed light on the dire situation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where the necessary conditions for survival are absent. The medical facilities in the area are overwhelmed and operating beyond their limits, leading to a marked deterioration in people's health.
The devastation in Rafah goes beyond the casualties from Israeli bombardments and airstrikes, with deaths resulting from disruptions to critical healthcare being described as 'silent killings' that are equally tragic. The report highlights a significant increase in rates of acute malnutrition, with hundreds of cases recorded among children under five and pregnant women.
The current medical response in Rafah is hampered by the Israeli authorities' siege, rendering it ineffective and exacerbating the crisis. The report emphasizes that this humanitarian emergency is entirely man-made, a situation of deliberate deprivation that is putting the lives of thousands at risk.
If the situation persists, tens of thousands of non-trauma-related deaths could occur in the next six months, even in the event of a ceasefire. The report underscores the urgent need for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of life.
Despite the challenges, more than one million Palestinian refugees in Rafah continue to face physical and mental harm, with uncertainty about the future compounded by the looming threat of an Israeli army invasion. The lack of access to essential healthcare services further exacerbates their vulnerability, underscoring the urgent need for international assistance and support.
