BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 9, Gaza's laboratories and blood banks are on the verge of a complete shutdown because of a severe shortage of essential medical supplies, according to health officials.
Sahar Ghanem, an official with the Palestinian Health Ministry, said shortages of laboratory materials have reached 87 percent, while essential supplies needed for diagnostic testing are facing a 74 percent deficit.
He added that repeated breakdowns of outdated laboratory equipment have further worsened the situation.
Ghanem called for urgent international intervention to secure the necessary medical supplies, warning that laboratory and blood bank services cannot continue under what he described as "catastrophic" shortage levels.
The warning comes as Gaza's healthcare system continues to face major challenges following the conflict and restrictions affecting humanitarian aid deliveries.
