In the atrocities filled Gaza Strip advised are given to young girls to cut their hair due to scarcity of combs and essentials. Dr. Lobna al-Azaiza, a pediatrician came out with this advise as the blockade created by Israel army has led to the scarcity to basic needs in Gaza. As the conflict and blockade still continues created a critical lack of basic necessities such as shampoo, soap, period products, and cleaning materials. This situation is exacerbated by the collapse of waste collection and sewage systems, which has triggered a surge in contagious diseases like scabies and fungal infections.
Dr. Azaiza, who once worked at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, now operates a makeshift clinic in a tent after her home was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike. Initially focused on pediatric care, her clinic now serves entire families displaced by the ongoing violence, reflecting the broader crisis affecting Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
The cost of basic medications has skyrocketed, with a tube of burn ointment now costing 200 shekels ($53). The reduction in international aid, due to Israel’s control of the Rafah border crossing, has worsened the humanitarian crisis. While Israel asserts that the UN and other organizations are responsible for distributing aid within Gaza, Dr. Azaiza believes that reopening the border to allow essential supplies and medications into the territory is crucial to alleviating the crisis.