Diabetes patients in Gaza face survival battle amid war shortages

What Happened

The blockade and war in Gaza have caused severe shortages of insulin, glucose meters, and test strips, placing 70,000–80,000 diabetes patients at risk, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza. Hamza al-Ghazali, a 20-year-old from Zeitoun, described a daily struggle to find insulin pens, with prices surging from 25–35 shekels ($8.5–$12) to 75–100 shekels ($25–$34) per pen; he requires six to seven pens monthly. Glucose test strips are scarce, forcing many patients to judge blood sugar levels by symptoms alone. Dr. Adli al-Ghouti, an endocrinologist, warned that about 2,500 children with Type 1 diabetes are in critical condition and that expired or improperly stored insulin may be ineffective, risking life-threatening complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The insulin crisis exemplifies how the war and blockade produce a silent humanitarian emergency, extending beyond battlefield casualties to chronic disease management. Medical supply shortages compound civilian suffering, increasing international pressure for humanitarian access and weighing on ceasefire and aid negotiations.

Watch For

Monitor for any Israeli adjustments to border restrictions on medical supplies, announcements from the World Health Organization or UNRWA regarding diabetes-related deaths or complications, and whether the health crisis becomes a focal point in ongoing ceasefire talks.