As the fragile cease fire in Gaza enters the second phase, and we see less violence and armed conflict, the world — especially the international medical community — needs to focus on the health care crisis in the region. Since the war began there has been widespread destruction of the health care infrastructure in Gaza leaving the Palestinian people living in a health care desert. Even prior to the conflict most hospitals and clinics in the region were struggling with shortages of supplies and providers. The war turned this fragile system into a complete collapse, leaving millions without access to safe, reliable health care.

The statistics are staggering; as of October of this year, only 14 of 36 hospitals are partially functional, and the majority have suffered damage. Estimates report that more than 1,700 health care workers have been killed and many more have fled the area. Another sobering fact is that all 12 higher education institutions, including medical and nursing educational institutions, have been affected, meaning that there is no pipeline for future providers.

The world should respond rapidly with the deployment of hospital ships, field hospitals and modular clinics. Charities and major medical companies, and pharmaceutical companies should work together to donate essential equipment and rebuild hospitals and clinics. Modular emergency units and imaging scanners are available and can be deployed rapidly. Sometimes the private sector can move faster than traditional government aid.

Re-establishing medical education is also a priority. Here is where our society can play an important role. Our departments and universities can share education with partner centers in Gaza. Training programs using artificial intelligence and virtual learning tools can help accelerate the development of new health workers. Our society has robust educational resources such as ENLS and others that we can share. We have diverse members, many of which are fluent in the language of the region and may be able to act as faculty via zoom and other internet-based platforms. We all need to help along with other medical societies around the world to remake medical education.

This collapse of health care in Gaza is not only a public health catastrophe but a generational wound. Without immediate intervention, the long-term effects will ripple for decades, affecting an entire population’s ability to recover and thrive. Only through shared commitment can the world help Gaza’s people recover and rebuild there health infrastructure.