Doctors Without Borders, in an exclusive conversation with NDTV, has raised the alarm about the dire situation in Gaza, warning that hospitals may soon become morgues due to a lack of essential supplies. The organization has termed the situation “unprecedented and catastrophic.” Farhat Mantoo, the Executive Director (South Asia) of Doctors Without Borders, explained that while circumstances in Gaza have always been challenging, the influx of patients due to the Israel-Hamas war has led to supplies being exhausted within three days instead of three weeks.
Ms. Mantoo stated, “The situation is catastrophic, it is unprecedented. Medecins Sans Frontieres has not seen a situation like this anywhere around the world.” She also highlighted that Gaza, home to over 2.2 million people, is facing indiscriminate bombing and violence, leaving residents with nowhere to go.
The local health system in Gaza is already stretched and underfunded due to a 16-year-long blockade. With the current level of violence, hospitals supported by Doctors Without Borders are overwhelmed with patients, most of whom are children, elderly, or women. The lack of water, fuel, and electricity has severely impacted the health facilities, with hospitals struggling to provide post-surgical care and essential services.
Ms. Mantoo expressed concerns about the safety of their staff and urged all parties involved in the conflict to provide safe passage for humanitarian supplies. She emphasized that the current situation is different from anything they have experienced in the past and appealed to all sides to respect health facilities, health workers, and vehicles.
The escalating violence in Gaza has resulted in buildings being flattened, including two hospitals supported by Doctors Without Borders. The organization’s teams are exhausted, and supplies that usually last for three weeks have been depleted in just three days.
Overall, Doctors Without Borders is calling for urgent action to address the critical situation in Gaza and ensure the safety and well-being of its staff and patients in the face of escalating violence.