Delayed, Denied, Deprived: The Collective Punishment of Palestinian Patients in Gaza in the Context of Israel’s 15-Year Blockade

The report by Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) highlights the severe deterioration of Gaza’s healthcare system after 15 years of Israel's blockade and military offensives. Israel’s movement restrictions, particularly following the 2021 offensive, have critically undermined access to healthcare, leading to shortages of essential medicines, medical disposables, and qualified personnel. MAP emphasizes how Israel's blockade, compounded by attacks on healthcare facilities and stringent movement controls, has left Gaza's healthcare system fragile and incapable of meeting the basic health needs of its population.

Additionally, MAP's report outlines the worsening socio-economic conditions in Gaza, driven by the blockade. With high poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity rates, coupled with inadequate housing, electricity, and clean water, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate. The report concludes that these conditions are part of a broader system of oppression and apartheid imposed by Israel, which systematically denies Palestinians their right to health and dignity.