Spokesman for the health ministry Ashraf al-Qudra said that the unavailability of lab supplies to run coronavirus tests presented a new challenge to the health ministry in its efforts to confront the pandemic.

Qudra added that such situation would delay the procedures for ending the isolation of hundreds of quarantined people who gave samples for testing.

He warned of serious repercussions on the health situation in Gaza after many vital medical and lab needs ran out, including 44 percent of essential medicine, 31 percent of medical consumables, and 65 percent of lab materials.

The health official appealed to the world’s free people and international relief organizations to provide Gaza with its medical and lab needs as well as 100 respirators and 140 intensive care beds. (ILKHA)