Hospitals in Gaza are at crisis point due to shortages of supplies, medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salmiya said Thursday.

Warehouses have run out of over 178 types of medicine, the spokesman said, adding that over 190 types of medical equipment needed for surgery had either run out or were in short supply.

Abu Salmiya said doctors in Gaza had been forced to postpone surgeries due to the shortages, and working hours were reduced in many hospitals.

The official urged countries in the region to intervene urgently to avert the crisis in Gaza.

He also called on the PA health ministry in Ramallah to send supplies to Gaza, and said patients should not be used as "blackmail" in political disputes.

In the past, officials from the Hamas-led government in Gaza have often accused the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority of failing to meet its responsibilities to send medical supplies to the coastal enclave.