The Gaza Strip has suffered several wars in the past decade. This unfortunate situation provides a good base to study the different aspects of crisis and disaster management. In addition to being occupied, Gaza has been subject to a crippling blockade since 2005, when Israeli occupation forces left the strip, but sealed the borders. The blockade severely impacts all aspects of life including the humanitarian, health, environmental and economic domains. In addition to the blockade, Gaza experienced three major wars in the past decade that resulted in thousands killed and injured. As a result of these wars, a large portion of Gaza’s infrastructure was destroyed and many civilians have fled their villages and cities. Additionally, the industrial sector was heavily impacted, increasing economic hardship for the local population.
In the health sector, several hospitals, primary health care centers and ambulances were partially or severely damaged during the wars and as the result of the blockade. Tens of health staff were killed and injured.
These conditions make the provision of effective and safe health services difficult, which adversely impacts the lives of thousands of patients, their families and ultimately the society as a whole.
The Islamic University of Gaza’s Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with the Hayat Center, are organizing the faculty’s seventh annual conference entitled “Crisis and Health Disaster Management in the Gaza Strip” in order to advance the study of health disaster management in the Gaza Strip and to benefit from local and international experiences to develop crisis management in Palestine generally and the Gaza Strip specifically.