The Palestinian health system is facing a severe financial and humanitarian crisis amid a continuing funding squeeze and the withholding of clearance revenues by Israel, the Palestinian health ministry said in a press statement shared with Millat Times by the Palestine Embassy in New Delhi.
In its statement dated June 4, the ministry warned that shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies had reached critical levels. It said 180 out of 520 essential medicines are now out of stock, adding that more than 4,000 cancer patients are at risk due to shortages of 50 out of 97 oncology drugs. It also flagged acute shortages affecting kidney dialysis patients.
The ministry said healthcare services have been significantly disrupted, with 19,500 surgeries performed between January 2026 and June 1, compared with around 65,000 procedures in 2025. It said more than 11,000 scheduled operations have been postponed, putting additional patients at risk.
According to the statement, the worsening situation is linked to Israel’s continued withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues, alongside broader economic decline, rising unemployment, and growing strain on public healthcare services.
The ministry has called for $100 million in international assistance, including $50 million for urgent life-saving medicines and another $50 million to ensure the continuity of essential medical services.
The State of Palestine warned that further deterioration of the health sector poses a serious humanitarian risk and urged international donors and organisations to intervene to help sustain healthcare services for Palestinian patients.
Support Independent Media
Click Here and Join the Membership of Millat Times to Support Independent Media.
Support Millat Times