Red Cross Warns Hospitals In Gaza Could Become Morgues

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a grave warning, stating that hospitals in Gaza are on the brink of catastrophe as the region's sole power plant ran out of fuel on Wednesday. With backup generators facing imminent failure, medical centers are at risk of being plunged into darkness, severely compromising patient care. Gaza's healthcare facilities have been grappling with an overwhelming surge in patients due to the recent "complete siege" imposed by Israel, coupled with extensive air and artillery strikes. The situation has been exacerbated by the Hamas attack on southern Israel last Saturday. Israel has vowed not to restore electricity or permit the entry of basic resources and humanitarian aid into Gaza until Hamas releases approximately 150 hostages abducted during its attacks. Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC's director for the region, highlighted the dire consequences of the power crisis, stating, "As Gaza loses power, hospitals lose power, putting newborns in incubators and elderly patients on oxygen at risk. Kidney dialysis stops, and X-rays can't be taken." He further explained that hospitals have been relying on generators, but their fuel reserves are rapidly depleting, with only a few hours of operation remaining. This critical situation has led to long queues forming outside hospitals, as injured individuals await care in emergency rooms. Medical facilities are running critically low on essential equipment and have issued appeals for blood donations to cope with the escalating crisis. The escalating power crisis in Gaza has triggered growing concerns about the healthcare system's ability to provide necessary medical services, making it crucial for international efforts to address the crisis and ensure the continuity of vital healthcare services in the region.