Israel’s siege on Gaza is forcing dentists to operate in the streets

What Happened

Dr. Rizq Sufyan Abo Halima, a dentist in Gaza City, has been forced to operate out of a tent in the al-Nasr neighbourhood due to the destruction of his previous clinics and the extreme scarcity of affordable commercial space. According to the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), over 80 percent of buildings in Gaza City and northern Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged during the ongoing war. Dr. Abo Halima reports that rental costs for remaining units have surged from 500 shekels ($166) to approximately $1,000 per month, leading him to maintain the tent clinic to avoid passing high overhead costs onto patients.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The situation illustrates the collapse of essential civilian infrastructure and the healthcare economy in Gaza. The inability to access basic medical services, such as dental care, highlights the broader humanitarian impact of the destruction of commercial and residential property, which has rendered even basic medical procedures unaffordable for the local population.

Watch For

Monitor reports from UN agencies regarding the availability of medical supplies and the long-term impact of the destruction of healthcare facilities on public health in Gaza. Additionally, watch for updates on the status of building material restrictions, which continue to prevent the repair of damaged infrastructure.