South Africa Urged to Step Up as Gaza’s Health System Crumbles

South Africa Urged to Act as Gaza Faces Humanitarian Catastrophe

With Gaza’s hospitals buckling under pressure, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is calling on South Africa to open its doors for urgent medical evacuations. The organisation warns that the territory’s healthcare system has collapsed, leaving more than 15 000 people in critical need of treatment.

The plea comes amid a humanitarian emergency, as damaged facilities struggle to cope and medical supplies run perilously low. Many hospitals are operating beyond capacity, forcing doctors to make impossible decisions about who receives care.

Preventable Tragedies and Political Inaction

According to MSF, between July last year and August 2025, at least 740 patientsincluding 138 childrendied while waiting for evacuation. The organisation stresses that these deaths were preventable, but political inertia at both national and international levels has delayed action.

“MSF is urging South Africa to translate its solidarity into tangible medical support by accepting patients and helping alleviate the growing humanitarian pressure on the region,” said Jane Rabothata, spokesperson for MSF South Africa.

Although some medical evacuations resumed last week, the pace has been slow, and South Africa has yet to accept individuals in urgent need of treatment. This is striking given the country’s strong stance against what it has called Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza, including its action at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Hospitals Buckle Under Crisis

The situation in Gaza is dire: facilities are overwhelmed, medical personnel are stretched thin, and shortages of essential medicines are widespread. Doctors Without Borders says the international community must act decisively to prevent further unnecessary loss of life.

The ICJ recently issued an advisory opinion reiterating Israel’s obligations under international law as an occupying power. The opinion underscores the legal responsibility to protect civilians, but MSF warns that without practical support, including evacuations the guidance remains symbolic.

South Africa’s Role in Humanitarian Relief

MSF is urging South Africa to turn statements of solidarity into real action. Accepting patients for urgent medical care could not only save lives but also demonstrate South Africa’s commitment to humanitarian principles on the global stage.

Social media responses from South Africans have been mixed, with many applauding government advocacy at the ICJ, while others question the lack of tangible support for those in immediate medical danger.

As the health crisis in Gaza deepens, the clock is ticking. MSF’s call highlights that words alone are not enoughurgent action is needed to prevent further needless suffering.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com