Gaza’s health system is on the brink of collapse as Israeli authorities continue to block the entry of essential medical supplies, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Director-General Munir al-Barsh told Al Jazeera that the blockade has made it nearly impossible to treat critically ill patients, with thousands now at risk of death. The situation persists despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire that was supposed to allow humanitarian aid, including medical shipments, into the territory.

Health officials report that nearly three-quarters of needed medical equipment is unavailable, including surgical tools, anesthesia, saline, and dialysis materials. Frequent power outages and fuel shortages have further crippled hospital operations. Over the past two years of conflict, at least 125 health facilities have been damaged and more than 1,700 medical workers killed. Ninety-five Palestinian doctors and health workers remain detained by Israel.

The ministry warns that Gaza is facing its worst health crisis in three decades, with thousands of glaucoma patients at risk of blindness and tens of thousands of displaced pregnant women living in unsafe conditions.