Gaza Hospitals: WHO Urges Protection of Nasser & Al-Amal
- The World Health Association (WHO) is warning of an imminent collapse of the Gaza health system, as critical facilities teeter on the edge of functionality.
- Nasser and Al-Amal represent the last two operational public hospitals in Khan Younis, where a significant portion of Gaza's population has sought refuge.
- Although neither hospital has received direct evacuation orders, they are located within or near an evacuation zone announced June 2.
The World Health Organization (WHO) urgently calls for protection of Gaza’s remaining hospitals, especially Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal hospital, as the Gaza health system teeters on the verge of collapse. These crucial facilities are struggling to function, facing potential closure due to restricted patient and staff access, dwindling supplies, and the ongoing conflict. The WHO emphasizes that these facilities must remain accessible and safe from attacks to continue providing critical health services for gaza’s population of 2 million. the loss of Nasser and Al-Amal would eliminate nearly 500 beds,exacerbating an already dire situation. News Directory 3 provides insight into this humanitarian crisis. Discover what’s next as the international community responds.
Gaza Health System Faces Collapse Amid Conflict
Updated June 6, 2025
The World Health Association (WHO) is warning of an imminent collapse of the Gaza health system, as critical facilities teeter on the edge of functionality. Nasser Medical Complex, considered the most vital referral hospital remaining in Gaza, and Al-Amal Hospital are both at immediate risk of shutting down. No hospitals currently function in northern Gaza.
Nasser and Al-Amal represent the last two operational public hospitals in Khan Younis, where a significant portion of Gaza’s population has sought refuge. The loss of these facilities would deprive residents of essential critical health services.
Although neither hospital has received direct evacuation orders, they are located within or near an evacuation zone announced June 2. Israeli authorities have informed the Ministry of Health that access routes to both hospitals will be obstructed, severely hindering the safe passage of patients and staff. Movement restrictions, insecurity, and the inability of WHO and its partners to deliver supplies or transfer patients further exacerbate the crisis, placing both hospitals at high risk of becoming non-functional.
These hospitals are already operating beyond their capacity, struggling to cope with a continuous influx of patients suffering life-threatening injuries, all while facing severe shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies. The closure of Nasser and Al-Amal would have devastating consequences for those requiring surgical care, intensive care, blood bank services, cancer treatment, and dialysis.
The loss of these two hospitals would eliminate 490 beds, reducing the total available hospital beds in the gaza Strip to fewer than 1,400. This represents a 40% decrease in hospital bed availability compared to pre-conflict levels, serving a population of 2 million people. The Gaza health system is under immense strain.
WHO has condemned the ongoing decimation of hospitals in Gaza, stating that it “must end immediately.” Despite extreme conditions, health workers, WHO, and partner organizations have strived to maintain essential health services for over 20 months. However, repeated attacks, escalating hostilities, aid obstruction, and restricted access have systematically dismantled the health infrastructure.
WHO is urgently calling for the protection of Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital, demanding that they remain accessible, functional, and safe from attacks. The organization emphasizes that patients seeking life-saving care should not risk their lives attempting to reach hospitals, and that hospitals must never be militarized or targeted.
WHO also urges the immediate and safe delivery of essential medicines and medical supplies into Gaza through all available routes.
WHO reiterates its call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
What’s next
the international community is urged to take immediate action to protect the remaining health facilities in Gaza and ensure the delivery of essential medical aid. A lasting ceasefire is crucial to prevent further deterioration of the health system and alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.