Beset by virus, Gaza’s hospitals now struggle with wounded
Associated PressGAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Just weeks ago, the Gaza Strip’s feeble health system was struggling with a runaway surge of coronavirus cases. “Before the military attacks, we had major shortages and could barely manage with the second wave,” said Gaza Health Ministry official Abdelatif al-Hajj by phone as bombs thundered in the background. “We have only 15 intensive care beds, and all I can do is pray,” he said, adding that because the hospital lacks surgical supplies and expertise, he’s already arranged to send one child to Egypt for reconstructive shoulder surgery. “They work relentlessly,” he added To make matters worse, Israeli airstrikes hit two health clinics north of Gaza City on Tuesday. The violence also has closed a few dozen health centers conducting coronavirus tests, said Sacha Bootsma, director of WHO’s Gaza office.