The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has issued a stark warning about the dire state of hospitals in the Gaza Strip, describing them as "death traps."

In a post on X, UNRWA highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis, stating: "Families in Gaza are torn apart, children are freezing to death, starvation is cutting lives short."

The health infrastructure in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, with relentless bombing and direct targeting of medical facilities. Three key public hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip—Kamal Adwan, Beit Hanoun, and the Indonesian Hospital—are now completely out of service due to damage sustained during Israeli airstrikes, according to UNRWA.

Of the 36 hospitals in Gaza, only 14 are partially functioning, and they face critical shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and electricity. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has warned that without immediate intervention, the remaining facilities may soon be forced to shut down, leaving thousands without access to essential care.

UNRWA’s warning comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate under the weight of ongoing hostilities. The agency has described the living conditions in the enclave as catastrophic, with widespread displacement, freezing temperatures, and acute food and water shortages compounding the crisis.

The international community has repeatedly called for humanitarian corridors to deliver aid, but efforts to secure sustained access have so far been unsuccessful.

UNRWA emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and ensure critical humanitarian aid reaches those in need. The agency's statements echo broader calls from global leaders and human rights organizations urging de-escalation and adherence to international humanitarian law.

As the conflict intensifies, Gaza’s civilians, particularly children, bear the brunt of the violence, with hospitals—once places of healing—now becoming scenes of despair. The world watches as the situation unfolds, with mounting pressure on all parties to end the suffering and find a path toward peace. (ILKHA)