DUBAI, November 20. /TASS/. The number of healthcare workers killed in the Gaza Strip since October 7 has reached 220, the Al Jazeera TV channel reported with reference to the Palestinian Health Ministry enclave.

According to the source, a total of at least 160 medical facilities in the enclave have come under fire from the Israel Defense Forces and 60 ambulances have been disabled. Only four medical facilities continue to function in Gaza, but they will be forced to shut their doors unless they are rendered assistance.

Al Jazeera reported earlier that a total of 200 medical workers had been killed in the Strip.

The Palestinian side has previously repeatedly noted the collapse of the healthcare system in the enclave due to shelling by the Israeli forces, the lack of fuel and electricity, the shortage of medicine and equipment, the scarcity of beds and the acute shortage of staff.

Tensions in the Middle East flared up again on October 7 after militants from the radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. Israel announced a total blockade of Gaza and carried out air strikes on targets in the Strip, as well as on certain areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.