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Restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on the entry of medical supplies into Gaza have led to critical shortages, severely impacting health care services, according to a statement released on Friday by Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Dr. Randa Abu El-Khair Masoud, a medical adviser with MSF, highlighted the inability of the organization to bring in medical supplies since January 1, amidst pressing humanitarian needs in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Dr. Masoud emphasized the daily impacts seen in hospitals and clinics due to these restrictions. "Every day, in our hospitals and clinics, we see the impacts of the restrictions on the entry of medical supplies into Gaza, Palestine. The needs in Gaza are massive, yet not enough aid is entering because Israeli authorities are blocking it," she stated. The shortage has critically affected nearly 50% of essential medications for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and respiratory illnesses.

Due to these shortages, MSF has halted the admission of new patients to its non-communicable diseases programs, restricting treatment to current patients only. Dr. Masoud warned that the lack of proper care could lead to preventable deaths among chronic disease sufferers. Additionally, basic medical supplies like gauze and compresses are scarce, impacting wound care services, particularly for postoperative patients and burn victims.

During a previous blockade between August and September 2025, MSF teams had to resort to using non-sterile gauze sterilized in batches, a last-resort measure due to infection risks. "Now, we are close to this point again," Dr. Masoud cautioned. The shortage of medical equipment is further straining health care services, with no new equipment or spare parts entering Gaza this year, leading to frequent malfunctions.

"Our teams are working hard to continue providing care, but they are under immense strain," she noted, emphasizing that emergency measures are no substitute for consistent access to medical supplies.