Much of Gaza is without electricity or running water. Hospitals are running on back-up generators in order to stay open. A Norwegian doctor named Mads Gilbert said the situation in Gaza is the worst he has ever seen in a conflict zone. He said hospitals in Gaza lack everything: monitors, anesthesia, surgical equipment, heaters and spare parts. Over the weekend, Israel blocked an emergency medical team from the International Committee for the Red Cross from entering Gaza. Israeli officials claim there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Peter Lerner, Israel Defense Ministry official: “Israel, for the last week, has implemented a humanitarian effort alongside the military operation, and over approximately 10,000 tons of humanitarian assistance — food supplies, medical supplies, medication — have gone into Gaza through Karem Shalom (crossing). This is part of our ongoing activities in order to try and give the Palestinians some of the food that they require and the medical supplies. And indeed the UN has acknowledged that they have enough supplies in the hospitals, and we will continue to do this activity.”