By Ali Harb
Feb 4, 2026
Despite ‘ceasefire’, the health sector in Gaza continues to suffer from shortages, destruction and lack of equipment.
After the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt this week, the world’s attention turned to the process of allowing a small number of wounded and sick Palestinians out of the besieged territory.
But while these medical evacuations are necessary, advocates say, the core priority must be to rebuild the health system in Gaza, which has been ravaged by Israel’s genocidal war against Palestinians in the Strip.
“The Israeli occupation has deliberately and methodically destroyed the health system,” Gaza Ministry of Health spokesperson Zaher al-Wahidi told Al Jazeera in a phone interview.
He outlined five key challenges the health system is facing after 28 months of blockade, bombardment and mass killings, which have not stopped after a United States-brokered “ceasefire” came into force in October: near absence of patient evacuations, lack of medical equipment, shortage of medication, destruction of facilities and need for medical workers.
He called on the “people of the free world and anyone who can lend a helping hand” to pressure Israel to fully open the Rafah crossing and allow medication and medical equipment into Gaza, as well as specialised teams to help healthcare workers.
