More than 350,000 patients in the Gaza Strip urgently need medicines, but medical supplies entering the territory remain far below demand, according to Mohammad Abu Afash, director of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society. He made the remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera, as reported on August 22, 2026.

Abu Afash said there is a shortage of medicines and other medical supplies needed to treat the large number of patients. The aid currently entering Gaza is not sufficient to meet people’s needs, he said, warning that the health situation in the strip could become more severe if access for medical assistance is not arranged.

He also cautioned that continued failure to supply emergency medical materials would place greater pressure on Gaza’s health system and make it extremely difficult to ensure treatment for patients. The Palestinian Medical Relief Society official stressed the need for rapid and adequate delivery of medical assistance to Gaza.