Over half of cancer and blood disease medicines unavailable in Gaza: Report
Hospitals across Gaza are on the brink of collapse as medicine and supply stocks continue to dwindle under Israel’s full closure of border crossings, now in its seventh week.
More than 37 percent of essential medicines and 59 percent of medical disposables are no longer available, according to Alaa Hilles, who heads the hospital pharmacy department at Gaza’s Health Ministry.
He told Anadolu the shortages have disrupted care across all services, including oncology and haematology. “Fifty-four percent of medicines for cancer and blood diseases are unavailable,” Hilles said.
Dialysis patients are also at risk, with more than 24 percent of life-saving treatments currently missing. “We are seeking medical alternatives, but in many cases, switching drugs can put patients’ lives at risk,” he said.
On Monday, the UN marked 50 days since Israel sealed Gaza’s crossings. “Not a single truck has entered since early March – no matter how critical the supplies,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
At least 600,000 children at risk of ‘permanent paralysis’ in Gaza: Ministry
Gaza’s Health Ministry has warned that Israel’s continued blockade on medical supplies has prevented the entry of polio vaccines, putting more than half a million children at risk.
The ban has halted the implementation of Phase 4 of the ministry’s polio prevention campaign, a statement said, leaving 602,000 children vulnerable to “permanent paralysis and chronic disabilities”.
Officials say the health consequences could be catastrophic.
“Children in Gaza are at risk of serious and unprecedented health complications due to the lack of adequate nutrition and drinking water,” the ministry added.
Israel’s ongoing blockade has strangled the flow of medical aid into the besieged enclave since early March, with the United Nations warning of a deepening humanitarian collapse.
Israel uses Gaza aid as ‘weapon of war’: UNRWA chief
Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has issued a stark warning as Gaza endures 50 days of siege by Israeli forces, describing the blockade as “deliberate and man-made”.
“Gaza has become a land of desperation,” Lazzarini posted on X, warning that more than two million people – mostly women and children – are being collectively punished.
The UN official said vital aid, including nearly 3,000 trucks of UNRWA supplies, is stuck outside Gaza, unable to enter while food and medicine inside the Strip rot or run out.
“Hollow words of condemnation” must now turn into action, he said, calling for an immediate end to the siege, a return to the ceasefire, and the release of captives.
“Hunger is spreading,” he added. “Humanitarian aid is being used as a bargaining chip – a weapon of war.”
How much longer until hollow words of condemnation will translate into action to lift the siege, resume a ceasefire & save whatever is left of humanity?
It’s been 5️⃣0️⃣ days of siege on #Gaza imposed by the Israeli authorities.
Hunger is spreading & deepening, deliberate &…
— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) April 22, 2025
Israel lashes out at US senator for calling Gaza blockade ‘war crime’
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has hit back at US Senator Bernie Sanders, who labelled the Gaza aid blockade a “war crime” and called for an end to US military support for Israel.
“It’s been 51 days since any humanitarian aid has entered Gaza,” Sanders said on X on Monday, citing Katz’s previous statement that “no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza” as evidence of a “war crime”.
“We must end our complicity. No more military aid for Netanyahu’s war machine,” Sanders added.
In response, Katz claimed, “Israel is acting in full accordance with international law” and said Gaza’s humanitarian situation is being “constantly monitored”.
He called on international bodies to ensure aid “bypasses Hamas” and thanked Washington for its backing.
