By Mohammad Dahman – This article was published By WAFA News in Arabic: Amid the prolonged Israeli military offensive that has gripped Gaza since October 7, 2023, civilian suffering deepens with each passing day, affecting every facet of life.
Hospitals now confront an urgent medical crisis as dwindling blood supplies jeopardize the survival of thousands of patients and wounded individuals, all struggling under the strain of the ongoing siege and relentless bombardments.
A Bleeding Crisis and Depleted Reserves
Dr. Sofia Zo’rob, head of the laboratories and blood banks in Gaza’s hospitals, described the situation as dire, warning that the healthcare system is reaching a breaking point.
“The relentless genocide on Gaza has caused a sharp rise in severe injuries, while chronic patients—especially those battling cancer and thalassemia—continue to require urgent care. Despite the community’s efforts, malnutrition and the deteriorating public health system have made securing blood an almost impossible challenge” she said.
Dr. Zo’rob emphasized that the prevalence of anemia among Gaza’s residents has significantly diminished the pool of eligible blood donors, further deepening the crisis. Compounding the issue, blood banks are constrained by their inability to store units beyond 35 days, making it increasingly challenging to establish sustainable solutions.
Urgent Appeals Amid a Stifling Siege
With blood banks under immense strain, hospitals have made desperate appeals for supplies from outside Gaza.
However, the ongoing blockade has blocked the entry of critical medical aid since March 18, further deepening the crisis.
“We are urgently calling on the world to provide blood and essential medicines to save lives. Every day that passes without intervention means more patients lost,” Dr. Zo’rob stressed.
Donors in Need of Help
Amid the deepening crisis, powerful human stories continue to unfold, as citizens answer urgent pleas for blood donations despite their own declining health.
Ahmad Al-Zenati, 38, rushed to contribute but was devastated to learn that his anemia made him ineligible.
“Instead of donating, they told me I need treatment because my blood is too weak,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Al-Madhoun, 32, discovered that he had unknowingly surpassed the annual limit for donations in his relentless effort to help others.
His experience underscores the lack of awareness and support for those willing to give, even as blood supplies dwindle.
This crisis exposes not only the growing medical emergency but also the resilience of those determined to make a difference despite overwhelming obstacles.
Statistics Paint a Grim Picture
According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Health, the 18-month-long genocide has claimed the lives of over 52,314 Palestinians, including 18,000 children and 12,000 women. Among the casualties are 1,400 doctors, 212 journalists, and 2,180 families who have been entirely wiped out.
A Plea to the World
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Gaza’s medical sector is making urgent pleas to the international community and humanitarian organizations for immediate intervention.
Healthcare officials are calling for the swift opening of crossings to allow the entry of essential blood supplies and medical equipment—critical resources needed to save lives in the besieged territory.
Dr. Zo’rob cautioned that the crisis extends far beyond the current blood shortage, warning that Gaza’s entire healthcare system is at risk of collapse if urgent action is not taken.
“Every minute without intervention takes away a part of Gaza’s lifeline,” she said.
