Gaza Health Ministry Reports Over 74,000 Dead, Widespread Mental Health Crisis
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 2,027 patients died awaiting medical evacuation and 57% of youth suffer moderate to severe depression. Total casualties since October 2023 have reached 74,370 killed and 175,371 injured. The health system is severely damaged, with many facilities out of service and critical shortages of medicine and supplies. The report also details widespread psychological distress among the youth, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 2,027 patients died in Gaza awaiting medical evacuation for treatment abroad.
- 57% of Gaza's youth are suffering from moderate to severe depression, according to a health report.
- Over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the Israeli offensive in October 2023.
- Gaza's health infrastructure is severely damaged, with 19 of 38 hospitals out of service.
- Shortages of basic medicines in Gaza stand at 44%, with higher deficits in lab supplies.
- The cost to rebuild Gaza's infrastructure is estimated at $71.4 billion.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that 2,027 patients died while awaiting medical evacuation for treatment outside the Strip since the start of the Israeli offensive in October 2023. The ministry also reported that 57% of Gaza's youth suffer from moderate to severe depression.
These statistics were released in a report titled "Three Years of Genocide War and Gaza is Still Bleeding." The report stated that 74,237 Palestinians have been killed as of October 4, including 21,976 children, 11,301 women, 5,405 elderly, and 35,555 men. The ministry noted these figures represent bodies identified, with many more likely under rubble. An estimated one child dies every 71 minutes.
Total casualties by Saturday reached 74,370 killed and 175,371 injured. The report detailed 1,134 cases of amputation among children and 1.2 million children facing food insecurity. Since the start of 2024, 466 Palestinians have died from malnutrition, including 157 children. Additionally, 1,723 health workers have been killed and 362 arrested.
The report also highlighted the severe damage to Gaza's health infrastructure, with 19 of 38 hospitals out of service and the remaining 19 operating partially. Of 158 primary care centers targeted, 64 are out of service and 94 are partially operational. Basic medicine shortages stand at 44%, medical consumables at 54%, and laboratory supplies at 83%.
Regarding patients awaiting treatment, 2,027 died before evacuation, including 264 children and 505 cancer patients. There are 21,000 registered patients seeking external treatment, comprising 5,803 individuals and 4,800 cancer patients, with 2,220 cases classified as emergency and 160 as life-saving.
The psychological toll on youth is dire, with 98% experiencing constant anxiety, 39% constant fear, and 61% moderate to severe anxiety. 57% suffer from moderate to severe depression, 56% meet PTSD criteria, and 62% feel miserable, exhausted, and helpless. The report coincides with the third anniversary of the offensive, which has devastated 90% of Gaza's infrastructure, with recovery costs estimated at $71.4 billion.
