The Red Cross has reported that many medical facilities in Gaza are “overwhelmed” following a deadly wave of Israeli strikes on Tuesday. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also raised concerns about shortages of essential medicines in the region.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, hospitals have received the bodies of over 400 people following the strikes, which represent Israel’s most intense military action since a ceasefire took effect on 19 January. This ceasefire had largely brought an end to more than 15 months of fighting that began after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.

Tommaso Della Longa, spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, reported that Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) teams are dealing with a significant influx of casualties. As of 7:00 am local time on the day of the strikes, they had responded to 150 fatalities and 179 injured individuals, including children. Della Longa highlighted that medical facilities in Gaza are struggling to manage the overwhelming number of patients, with a severe shortage of food, medical supplies, and fuel.

Fuel shortages have worsened, with no aid entering Gaza since the beginning of March. The lack of fuel is severely affecting ambulance operations, making it more difficult for first responders to reach those in need.

The truce that began in January had allowed the entry of critical aid, but the flow of aid was blocked again by Israel on 2 March due to a dispute over extending the ceasefire. Della Longa mentioned that the truce was not long enough to replenish essential supplies, and WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic warned that medicine stocks are rapidly depleting. Without adequate supplies, healthcare workers may be unable to treat various medical conditions, not just trauma injuries.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported a surge in wounded patients at their field hospital and other medical facilities, many of whom suffered severe injuries, including amputations and burns. MSF staff noted that hospitals were overwhelmed by the mass casualties and struggled to cope with the situation.

The situation is dire in Gaza, where, according to the health ministry, at least 48,000 people have been killed since the beginning of Israel’s military offensive in October 2023.