Gaza’s Silent Crisis: When Lifesaving Gauze Becomes a Luxury
Gauze, a seemingly simple wound dressing, is becoming critically scarce in Gaza, even months after a supposed ceasefire. The irony isn’t lost on many: the extremely name, and its use, may originate from Gaza itself, stemming from the Arabic word khazz, meaning blended silk, and a history rich in weaving traditions.
The Fragile Line Between Healing and Infection
The absence of something as fundamental as gauze has devastating consequences. Bacteria thrive in open wounds, and without proper dressings, infections rapidly escalate. “It started with gauze,” reflects Nahreen Ahmed, a pulmonary specialist who worked at Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in the Gaza Strip, from November 25 to December 11, 2025. The lack of this basic supply forces healthcare providers to send patients home without adequate protection, often to shelters or tents, exacerbating the risk of infection.
A Health System Under Siege
More than two years after the events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent military response, Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure is on the brink of collapse. The International Association of Genocide Scholars has determined that the situation meets the legal definition of genocide. Currently, only 14 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are functioning. The Israeli military has reportedly killed over 1,700 healthcare workers and continues to detain 220 as of February 2026.
PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION: JOAN WONG; Original photographs by Nahreen Ahmed
The Perverse Reality of Aid Delivery
Despite a ceasefire announced in October, the situation remains dire. Israel permits doctors into Gaza but restricts the entry of essential medical equipment, leading some to smuggle supplies in their personal belongings. Between the ceasefire declaration and mid-February, over 600 people were killed, bringing the official death toll to over 72,000 – a figure likely underestimated. While the Rafah crossing partially reopened, only 260 people were allowed to leave for medical care out of over 18,500 in need, and only 269 were permitted to re-enter Gaza.
Gaza as a Testing Ground
Palestine has develop into a testing ground for new technologies, including artificial intelligence targeting and advanced drone warfare. Meanwhile, the remaining hospitals in Gaza are forced to operate with resources reminiscent of “Civil War medicine.” Doctors are resorting to smuggling in basic supplies like 9-volt batteries, cochlear implants, and, crucially, gauze.
The Ongoing Conflict and its Impact
Even with the ceasefire, isolated incidents of violence continue. Casualties occur along the “yellow line” demarcating areas occupied by the IDF. The public health crisis is so severe that doctors describe it as a new phase of the genocide, where the need to actively inflict harm is diminishing, but the consequences of the ongoing situation are devastating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of gauze to Gaza? The name “gauze” and its use may originate from Gaza, linked to the Arabic word for blended silk, khazz, and the region’s historical weaving traditions.
- What is the current state of hospitals in Gaza? As of February 2026, only 14 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are functioning.
- What are the main obstacles to getting medical supplies into Gaza? Restrictions on the entry of medical equipment, despite allowing medical personnel to enter, are a major obstacle.
What can you do? Support organizations providing medical aid to Gaza and advocate for unrestricted access to essential supplies. Share this information to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis.