Examining Israeli Claims of Supporting Gaza’s Health Sector

As the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip deepens and international debate intensifies over responsibility for the deterioration of health and living conditions, Israeli accounts have circulated a video claiming to show a range of medical and humanitarian activities carried out in the territory in recent months. The video presents these activities as evidence of what Israel describes as “ongoing efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and support Gaza’s health system,” in cooperation with supporting parties and nongovernmental organizations.

The video’s circulation comes amid a highly sensitive political and media climate, as Israel seeks to counter mounting criticism from international and human rights organizations over restrictions on aid and the collapse of Gaza’s health system. It does so by highlighting select scenes of medical and relief work and presenting them as representative of the broader humanitarian situation in the enclave.

In this context, Misbar examines the video’s claims about Israeli facilitation of aid entry and medical activities by analyzing its content and comparing it with firsthand accounts from medical and humanitarian sources working on the ground. These accounts indicate that much of the activity shown resulted from independent initiatives or direct support from local and international organizations, rather than from the Israeli facilitation described in the video.

Israeli Claims of Facilitating Aid and Medical Activities in the Gaza Strip

The account “Israel in Arabic” published a video claiming to document a series of medical and humanitarian activities carried out in the Gaza Strip over the past months, as part of what Israel described as “ongoing efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and support Gaza’s health sector for the civilian population.”

According to the video, activities in November included the opening of the radiology department at Hamad Hospital in northern Gaza City, medical procedures at Shati Clinics in Gaza City, the establishment of a new field hospital operated by the International Medical Corps (IMC), and vaccination campaigns for children at the Red Crescent Center in Khan Younis, as well as at field hospitals in Zawayda and Deir al-Balah.

In December 2025, the video shows the resumption of procedures at Hamad Hospital, activities at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Gaza City, the opening of the Mohamed Shabat Medical Center in northern Gaza, the inauguration of an emergency department at Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital, a blood donation campaign at the Kuwaiti Hospital, and activities at the medical center of the “Chivalrous Knight 3” operation in Moawasi, Khan Younis. It also highlights the opening of a laboratory testing and vaccination clinic in Deir al-Balah and the installation of patient tents in the internal medicine departments at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah.

In January, operations continued at the UAE field hospital in Rafah, alongside a graduation ceremony for 300 medical students at Al-Shifa Hospital.

The account framed the video with claims that “Israel spares no effort to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza to assist residents, in cooperation with supporting entities and nongovernmental organizations,” suggesting that these efforts are occurring amid attempts by “some parties to spread false information aimed at undermining these humanitarian efforts.”

The account concluded by urging viewers to watch the video, describing it as a brief overview of the humanitarian aid Gaza residents have reportedly received in recent months.

Hamad Hospital Operates Amid Medical Supply Shortages

In an exclusive statement to Misbar, Atiyah Al-Wadiya, head of public relations and media at Hamad Hospital in northern Gaza, confirmed that the footage circulating in the video related to the hospital is factually accurate. However, he said the video’s portrayal, including Israeli claims of facilitation, lacks full context.

Al-Wadiya emphasized that Hamad Hospital is currently operating entirely through the independent efforts of its administration and staff, amid severe challenges that impede the delivery of health services. One of the most pressing issues is the Israeli blockade on the entry of prosthetic materials. The hospital’s existing stock, dating back to before October 7, 2023, is nearly depleted, putting prosthetic services in Gaza at risk of suspension by the end of the month.

He also highlighted restrictions on the import of medical devices, medications, and essential supplies, including hearing aids for children with hearing impairments, replacement parts for cochlear implants, and the prevention of specialized medical teams from entering to perform cochlear implant surgeries. These constraints, he said, significantly worsen the suffering of children and individuals with partial or total hearing loss in Gaza.

Red Crescent Highlights Severe Medical Shortages in Gaza

Raed Al-Nims, media director of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Gaza, told Misbar that the organization’s medical and humanitarian work is carried out exclusively in coordination with local authorities and international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, as well as partners and donors within the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

He explained that all health and humanitarian responses are implemented based on the resources and capacities available to the society or through direct procurement from the local market, whether for medical equipment, medications, or materials needed to establish field hospitals and mobile medical units.

Al-Nims noted that the Kuwaiti Field Hospital, provided by the State of Kuwait in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent, is the only fully equipped field hospital that has entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. He added that humanitarian efforts face major challenges, including severe shortages of fuel, medicines, and medical supplies; Israeli-imposed restrictions at border crossings; the inability to evacuate critically ill patients for treatment outside Gaza; as well as shortages of tents, caravans, mattresses, and blankets, and restrictions on the entry of generators and ambulances. Together, these obstacles significantly hinder the ability to meet the growing medical and humanitarian needs of the population.

Al-Fursan Palestinian Emergency Association: Health Centers Operate Amid War Damage

Al-Fursan Palestinian Emergency Association, which oversees the Martyr Mohamed Shabat Health Center in northern Gaza, told Misbar that Israeli authorities continue to impose strict restrictions on the entry of medical supplies and ambulances, noting that the ban on these vehicles remains in effect. The association said severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies persist, and that the limited quantities entering through international organizations are insufficient to meet the needs of patients and the injured, amid the large number of casualties resulting from two years of ongoing Israeli attacks.

Al-Fursan added that the establishment of health centers in northern Gaza relies entirely on its own efforts and the salvaging of materials from war debris, including iron, tiles, and construction materials recovered from destroyed buildings, with limited support from local and international partners. The association denied any Israeli facilitation in this process. It emphasized that northern Gaza remains a public health disaster zone, with all hospitals out of service and a continuing crisis in ambulance availability and maintenance due to shortages of spare parts, such as tires and oil, as well as high costs for available supplies.

The association stressed that its mandate is limited to managing and operating the Martyr Mohamed Shabat Health Center in northern Gaza. It called for urgent international pressure on Israel to allow the entry of humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and health equipment, highlighting the unprecedented deterioration of health conditions in the area.

Statements Confirm Tents Installed Independently with UNICEF Support in Gaza

Raed Hussein, director of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, told Misbar that the hospital’s tent project was carried out entirely through the administration’s own efforts. The work was coordinated with UNICEF to set up the tents and create patient areas on an open space previously paved by a Turkish organization. Hussein emphasized that the initiative is not linked to Israeli authorities, noting that its purpose is to meet the urgent needs of patients and support the delivery of health services within the hospital.

Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital Opens Emergency Department with International Funding

The Construction and Equipment Unit of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the emergency department at Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital opened last December as part of efforts to rehabilitate health facilities damaged by the war, aiming to improve the quality of care for children.

The ministry said the project was funded by Doctors Without Borders – Netherlands (MSF-H) and implemented by Truth & Honest Company, under the direct supervision of the Construction and Equipment Unit. It added that the initiative is part of a broader partnership to restore the health system in Gaza, emphasizing that the dedication of local staff and support from the international community continue to sustain health services despite ongoing challenges.

Palestinian Ministry of Health Launches U.N.-Supported Vaccination Drive

After monitoring the children’s vaccination campaign in Gaza, Misbar confirmed that the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced in November 2025 the continuation of its national program to vaccinate children under age three, aiming to ensure they receive essential doses according to the approved schedule.

The statement, issued by Health Minister Maged Abu Ramadan, said the campaign is conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, with support from UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Vaccinations are being administered through 150 health centers run by the Ministry, UNRWA, and the Red Crescent, in addition to local and international organizations operating across Gaza.

Abu Ramadan noted that the campaign spans ten days, divided into three phases over the course of a month, to ensure all children who have fallen behind on essential vaccinations are reached. He emphasized that the ministry continues to fulfill its duty to protect children’s health despite challenging humanitarian conditions, and urged parents to bring their children to approved vaccination centers, stressing that immunization is the first line of defense against serious diseases and epidemics.

Gaza’s Health Sector Faces Rapid Deterioration

Khalil Al-Daqran, spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health, warned that Gaza’s health system is facing a rapid collapse, more than two years after the war and despite the cease-fire announced last October. He said Israeli restrictions on the entry of essential medicines and medical supplies are worsening the humanitarian and health crisis.

Al-Daqran said the limited supplies allowed into Gaza cover only a small fraction of actual needs. No vital medical equipment has been permitted, while the available supplies are largely non-essential. Shortages exceed 90% for laboratory materials and medical solutions, with 52% of essential medicines and 75% of other medical supplies already depleted.

He added that the crisis intensifies during winter, as patient numbers rise—especially among children and the elderly. Pediatric wards are operating at three to four times their capacity due to the spread of respiratory and digestive illnesses, amid catastrophic conditions for displaced families living in tents without basic health infrastructure.

Al-Daqran also noted that the closure of crossings prevents more than 20,000 patients—including roughly 4,500 children—from accessing treatment outside Gaza, resulting in over 1,200 deaths. He said about 6,000 amputees, including 25% children, urgently require prosthetics and specialized care.

Roughly 22 hospitals are completely out of service, while the rest operate only partially due to shortages of medicines, fuel, and supplies, compounded by the destruction of more than 190 ambulances. Al-Daqran emphasized that Gaza’s health situation is catastrophic and requires immediate international intervention to preserve what remains of the health system.

Gaza Aid at Risk as Licenses for International NGOs Are Revoked

A Misbar report published on January 10 examined the impact of Israeli authorities’ decision to revoke the registration of 37 international humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza, citing “security concerns.” The move is expected to restrict humanitarian operations and hinder aid delivery to civilians in an already fragile humanitarian situation.

The report said the decision, implemented in early January, is part of a political and media campaign linking humanitarian work to unverified security claims. Israeli authorities were granted broad powers to deny or revoke licenses based on vague political or security criteria, undermining the neutrality and independence principles central to humanitarian work.

Misbar highlighted that Gaza’s humanitarian conditions make this step particularly alarming, as vital sectors—including health, food, and shelter—depend heavily on international organizations. According to UN data, these groups manage or support a large portion of field hospitals, healthcare centers, and nutrition programs, while local or other international actors cannot fill the gap in the near term.

The report warned that suspending or revoking humanitarian licenses would immediately create gaps in health and food services and worsen suffering, particularly for children and women. Misbar emphasized that using security claims to restrict humanitarian work sets a dangerous precedent and violates international humanitarian law.

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