MSF: Gaza medical supplies critically low

Medical aid organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has sounded an urgent alarm over the deteriorating health care situation in Gaza, stating that Israeli-imposed restrictions have created critical shortages of essential medical supplies. The group confirmed that no medical supplies have been allowed to enter the coastal enclave since January 1, despite overwhelming humanitarian needs.

Dr. Randa Abu El-Khair Masoud, a medical adviser with MSF, explained that the impact of these restrictions is visible daily in Gaza's hospitals and clinics. "The needs in Gaza are massive, yet not enough aid is entering because Israeli authorities are blocking it," she said. Approximately 50 percent of essential medications for non-communicable diseases—including diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and respiratory illnesses—have reached critically low levels.

New patients turned away from chronic disease programs

Due to the severe shortages, MSF has been forced to halt new admissions to its non-communicable diseases programs, limiting care to existing patients only. "This shortage in proper care will inevitably lead to preventable deaths among patients suffering from chronic diseases," Masoud warned. The organization is also facing a lack of basic wound care supplies such as gauze and compresses, which severely affects postoperative patients and burn victims.

Risk of infection rises as sterile supplies run out

During a previous blockade between August and September 2025, MSF teams resorted to using non-sterile gauze sterilized in batches—a measure considered a last resort due to significant infection risks. "Now, we are close to this point again," Masoud cautioned. No new medical equipment or spare parts have entered Gaza this year, leading to frequent equipment malfunctions across health facilities. While MSF teams continue working tirelessly, the adviser stressed that emergency measures cannot replace consistent and reliable access to medical supplies.