Gaza: Gaza suffers a critical shortage of medical supplies, with only six out of 22 UN-run health centers remaining operational amid a deadly Israeli onslaught on the enclave, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, 'Essential medical supplies are critically low,' UNRWA said in a statement. The agency reported that "only 6 out of 22 UNRWA health centres remain operational, supported by 37 medical points located both inside and outside shelters."

The refugee agency stated that it had provided over 8.5 million medical consultations in Gaza since the start of the Israeli war in October 2023. The agency emphasized, 'Unhindered access to deliver lifesaving aid, including medicine and basic medical supplies, is urgently needed.'

Israel has kept Gaza crossings closed to food, medical, and humanitarian aid since March 2, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave, according to government, human rights, and international reports. The closure has exacerbated the dire situation faced by the Palestinian population in Gaza.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of nearly 54,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The ongoing conflict has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions against defenseless civilians in the enclave.