Airstrikes have all but eliminated the Gaza Strip's imaging capabilities

Palestinian hospitals are struggling to maintain radiology services in the wake of years of missile attacks brought on by the conflict with Israel. 

Reports out of Gaza suggest that as much as 76% of the region’s imaging equipment has been destroyed since the military campaign began in 2023. As a result, facilities in the Gaza strip no longer have MRI services. Nine machines have been destroyed since the conflict began. Previously, up to 16,000 MRI scans per year were completed at Al-Shifa and the European Hospital—two healthcare institutions in the area. 

What’s more, just five out of 18 of the region’s CT scanners are operational; 33 out of 88 conventional X-ray machines and five out of 16 fluoroscopy devices remain.  

As for the equipment still in service, hospital staff say many of the machines frequently malfunction and require frequent repairs and maintenance. However, facilities have found it challenging to acquire the spare parts needed to repair and maintain the systems. This is due, in part, to restrictions and blockades put in place that prevent critical medical supplies, including the helium needed to cool MRI scanners, from entering the area. 

This has placed significant strain on the healthcare providers and staff tasked with treating patients. Numerous reports indicate that clinics will not currently accept new patients in a move to prioritize those with the most critical needs. Inevitably, this will result in diagnostic delays and poor outcomes, health leaders have cautioned.