Statements by the spokesman of the Ministry of Health, Dr.Ashraf al-Qudra on the fourteenth day of the Israeli war on Gaza.

20 Oct, 2023

– Israeli forces killed 352 and injured 669 in the past 24 hours. This includes 37 families.

– Israeli airstrikes targeted the Greek Orthodox Church in central Gaza, where 16 citizens were killed and dozens were injured, including entire Christian families who sought protection in the church to escape bombings to their homes.

– The total death toll of the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip rose to 4,137 deaths and 13,162 injuries.

– 70% of the victims are children, women, and the elderly.

– The large death toll of Israeli bombardment resulted in the killings of 521 families, including 3,109 citizens. A large number of victims are still under the rubble.

– The Ministry is aware of 1,400 reports of missing people under the rubble, including 720 children.

– Seven hospitals are now out of service due to the Israeli targeting and running out of fuel.

– 21 healthcare centers are out of service due to running out of fuel.

– 46 medical personnel were killed and 85 were injured during these attacks.

– 23 ambulances were destroyed or decommissioned due to Israeli attacks while they were involved in active rescues.

– The Ministry of Health is working to keep essential units operational, such as hemodialysis, labour and delivery, cesarean section surgical suites, oncology services, vaccination, and other important services working, in parallel with the treatment of the Israeli airstrikes’ wounded with the limited available capabilities.

– Thousands of displaced citizens are sheltering in hospitals hindering patients’ access to the hospitals, which poses a danger to their lives.

– We call on the international community to stop the Israeli attacks and to stop these massacres in the Gaza Strip.

– We call on the international community to stop the ongoing violations against health personnel, institutions, and ambulances.

– We call on the international community to import medical supplies and fuel to hospitals.