In a horrific turn of events, the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 19,000 Palestinians and left more than 50,000 injured, according to the Ministry of Health. The unrelenting and indiscriminate strikes have transformed the north of the Strip into a pile of rubble, and now the Middle Area and southern regions are being pounded with increasing brutality.

The suffering of Palestinians trapped in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels, with nearly the entire population of 2.2 million people now cornered in the south of the Strip. The Israeli forces' strikes have shattered the illusion of safety in what was supposed to be a secure zone. Nowhere is safe.

Challenges in providing medical care to the war-wounded have emerged as hospitals and healthcare facilities struggle to cope with the severity of injuries and the overwhelming influx of patients. Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, where Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works, has become a hub of chaos and despair. The emergency department is completely full, and doctors are forced to treat patients on the floor, even stepping over the bodies of dead children.

To address the increasing demand for care, temporary structures are being erected, including tents serving as wards and makeshift clinics. However, the shortage of hospital beds and essential medical supplies, exacerbated by Israel's complete siege on Gaza, presents an insurmountable challenge for healthcare providers. Access to essential drugs, including pain management medications critical for surgical interventions, is virtually impossible, leaving patients in excruciating pain. The wounds inflicted by explosive weapons and collapsing buildings result in multiple injuries, often requiring amputations and causing lifelong disabilities.

The dire situation is compounded by the deplorable living conditions endured by Palestinians in temporary shelters. Many families construct flimsy structures made of wood and plastic sheeting, which are unable to withstand the strong winds and heavy rain. With limited access to water and the scarcity of affordable food, the basic needs of the displaced population are not being met.

Amidst the chaos and devastation, infections from poorly treated wounds are on the rise, further endangering lives. Infections thrive due to the overcrowded shelters and the lack of comprehensive healthcare services. Respiratory infections, diarrhoea, chickenpox, lice, and scabies are spreading uncontrollably, posing additional risks to displaced Palestinians.

The temporary pause in hostilities during a seven-day truce in November provided a brief respite for Nasser hospital, as they were inundated with diabetic and other chronic patients unable to access medical care during the fighting. However, when hostilities resumed on December 1, the intensity of the offensive increased dramatically, once again overwhelming healthcare facilities.

Tragically, even maternity wards are not spared from the onslaught. On December 17, Nasser hospital's maternity ward came under fire, resulting in the loss of one life and injuries to others. The indiscriminate attacks on healthcare facilities must come to an immediate end.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, international calls to halt the violence and provide urgent aid grow louder. The unimaginable loss of life, the staggering number of injuries, and the crippling collapse of the healthcare system demand immediate attention and action from the international community.

The suffering of Palestinians in Gaza is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a lasting solution to bring peace and stability to the region. The Security Council's inaction has only prolonged the carnage and enabled further attacks on innocent civilians. The time for a meaningful intervention is now, before more lives are needlessly lost.