Due to the destruction of infrastructure and skyrocketing rents caused by the ongoing conflict, dentists in Gaza are resorting to performing surgeries in tents and alleys.
- Over 80% of buildings in Gaza City and northern Gaza are destroyed or severely damaged.
- Skyrocketing commercial rents are forcing medical professionals into makeshift street clinics.
- The lack of building materials due to the siege makes infrastructure repair nearly impossible.
In the stifling, dusty heat of Gaza City, Dr. Rizq Sufyan Abo Halima sits inside a small canvas tent pitched in a narrow alleyway. For this 31-year-old dentist, the tent is not a choice, but a desperate last resort. The relentless siege and the destruction caused by the Israel-Palestine conflict have made finding affordable medical office space an impossibility.
Dr. Abo Halima’s journey is one of repeated loss. His first clinic, Smile One, was destroyed during the early stages of the war in 2023. After rebuilding, his second attempt at a clinic was also leveled by Israeli forces. He is now operating amidst the ruins of his former life, providing essential dental care under a thin layer of fabric.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza is creating a secondary health crisis. When professional medical environments are replaced by street-side tents, the quality of hygiene and the accessibility of care for the most vulnerable populations are critically compromised.
"If I had rented an apartment for my clinic instead of a tent, the cost of one filling would have doubled for the patient." — Dr. Rizq Sufyan Abo Halima
The economic reality is grim. According to the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), the vast majority of buildings in northern Gaza are unusable. This scarcity has caused a massive spike in real estate costs. Before the war, Dr. Abo Halima paid approximately $166 per month for his clinic; today, comparable spaces demand nearly $1,000.
The impact on patients is devastating. For many, dental care has transitioned from a routine medical necessity to an unattainable luxury. Patients are often forced to choose between expensive fillings or much cheaper, yet more painful, tooth extractions due to financial constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are dentists working in tents instead of clinics?
Most permanent structures have been destroyed, and the remaining commercial spaces are unaffordable due to extreme scarcity.
2. How does the siege affect medical supplies?
The siege limits the entry of essential materials, including dental supplies and construction goods, driving up costs for both providers and patients.
