Gaza City, December 11 (RHC)-- Authorities in the Gaza Strip have invoked a two-day curfew to help combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus.  The tiny enclave has been witnessing a sharp increase in the number of infections in recent weeks.  More than 27,000 cases have been detected.

In late August a full lockdown was implemented for two weeks in the wake of the confirmation of the first cases.  Currently, about 350 patients in Gaza require hospitalization, including 150 patients in critical condition.  With only 180 ICU beds, Gaza hospitals experience a very difficult time to save the lives of the patients.

The extensive nature of the Israeli blockade has had a devastating impact on Gaza’s health system, rendering it inadequate to respond to the pandemic.  Under current circumstances, the movement of people and vehicles all over Gaza is prohibited.

People in Gaza are bracing themselves for the worst as COVID-19 infections continue to increase at a fast pace.  The impoverished coastal sliver is already under a crippling Israeli blockade.