Palestine’s health ministry alleges Israel driving Palestinian health system toward collapse

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Jerusalem: The Palestinian Ministry of Health has claimed the Palestinian health sector is facing a serious and unprecedented humanitarian crisis. This is a result of the suffocating financial crisis and the continued financial siege imposed by Israel. Furthermore, they claim this situation now threatens the lives of thousands of Palestinian patients. It also places the healthcare system on the brink of collapse.

On June 4, the Palestinian Ministry of Health issued an urgent warning regarding the depletion of essential medicines and medical supplies. According to the Ministry, 180 out of 520 essential medicines have completely run out of stock. Furthermore, the lives of more than 4,000 cancer patients are now under direct threat. This is due to the unavailability of 50 out of 97 medicines designated for cancer treatment.

The Palestinian Health Ministry also warned of severe shortages affecting kidney dialysis patients. These shortages are a result of the unprecedented decline in strategic reserves of medicines and laboratory materials.

The Palestinian Ministry claims that since the beginning of 2026 and until 1 June, only 19,500 surgeries were carried out. In comparison, approximately 65,000 surgeries were performed during 2025. Meanwhile, more than 11,000 scheduled operations have been postponed. This places the lives of thousands of patients at direct risk.

They allege that the worsening crisis is directly linked to Israel’s continued withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues. This has significantly undermined the Palestinian government’s ability to meet the growing needs of the health sector, said the release.

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According to the Palestinian side, the situation has further deteriorated amid sharp economic decline, rising poverty and unemployment rates. Moreover, the increasing dependence of Palestinian citizens on already overstretched public healthcare services has become a major issue.

Now, the Palestinian Ministry of Health has urgently appealed to donor countries and international institutions to provide life-saving medicines valued at 50 million US dollars. In addition, another 50 million US dollars are needed to secure essential medicines. This will help ensure the continuity of basic healthcare services.

The Palestinian side further warned that the continued deterioration of the healthcare sector constitutes a grave humanitarian threat. They call upon the international community, humanitarian organisations, and donor states to take urgent action to support the Palestinian health sector. In addition, they urge the world to safeguard the right of Palestinian patients to life and medical treatment.

(ANI)

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