Dialysis and renal transplantation in Gaza: a crisis of access in a war zone.

Since October 7th, 2023, the healthcare system in Gaza has suffered severe damage. Patients with chronic kidney diseases, particularly those needing dialysis, are among the most affected. This study aimed to summarize the impact of the war on patients with kidney failure. Data were collected by either visiting the dialysis centers or contacting them through phone calls and text messages. We found that the total number of patients had decreased from 1022 patients in late 2022 to 750 patients in late 2024. This decrease occurred despite new patients initiating dialysis between October 2023 and December 2024. The number of dialysis machines also decreased from 178 in 2022 to 109 in 2024, despite 35 new dialysis machines being supplied through the World Health Organization (WHO). Consumables, water, electricity, and other necessary resources became increasingly difficult to access. Al Rantisi hospital, the only hospital providing dialysis to 38 pediatric patients before October 2023, is no longer functioning and the surviving eight children are receiving dialysis using adult machines in other centers. This study underscores the pressing need for humanitarian action in Gaza and the need for global policies to protect vulnerable patients, including those with kidney failure.