Only six ambulances still functioning in Gaza: health ministry

Only six ambulances are currently operational in the entire Gaza Strip, health ministry officials said during a press conference at the Al-Shifa Medical Complex on Saturday.

The ministry, along with various medical NGOs, accused Israel of systematically targeting Gaza's healthcare system, including bombing medical crews and detaining health personnel. They also highlighted difficulties in operating essential services like intensive care units and child nurseries.

The situation is especially critical in Rafah's southern area, where fragile health and service infrastructures struggle to meet the needs of 1.3 million displaced people.

The ministry warned of a high risk of epidemics, particularly among displaced children and the elderly, and urged international organisations to pressure Israel to release Gaza’s medical teams.

They appealed to the international community and human rights institutions for assistance in rebuilding the health system, including the provision of devices, equipment, medicines, and medical supplies.

The World Health Organization reports that the total hospital bed capacity in Gaza has decreased from 3,500 to merely 1,400.

"The injuries we're witnessing are predominantly blast injuries with shrapnel wounds all over the body. Most are to the limbs, and multiple adults and children and babies coming in with traumatic amputations of arms and legs. We've seen small children with the most horrible facial burns. Every square inch of the hospital - the halls, the staircases, the reception areas, the wards - are covered with people lying on the ground,"  Professor Nick Maynard of Oxford University Hospital and Medical Aid for Palestinians' (MAP) emergency medical team reported while in Gaza.

Israel's ongoing operations in Gaza have killed 23,843 Palestinians since 7 October, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry. A further 60,317 people have been wounded.