WHO Expresses Concern Over Rapid Spread of Disease in Gaza

The spread of disease in Gaza is causing great concern for the World Health Organization (WHO), as weeks of Israeli bombardments have resulted in the population seeking shelter in crowded conditions with limited access to food and clean water. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, expressed his worries about the upcoming winter season and the potential for disease outbreaks.

Peeperkorn revealed that there have already been more than 70,000 cases of acute respiratory infections and over 44,000 cases of diarrhea, significantly higher than expected. The health system in Gaza has been severely disrupted due to the bombardments and a ground offensive, making it difficult for people to access clean water and medical care. These factors have forced large numbers of people to congregate in shelters, exacerbating the risk of disease transmission.

The situation is further compounded by the start of the rainy season, which raises concerns about potential flooding and the overload of the enclave’s sewage system. This could lead to the spread of diseases as the already strained system may be unable to cope with the increased volume. Moreover, the absence of fuel has already resulted in the shutdown of sewage pumping stations and desalination plants, further increasing the risk of water contamination and disease outbreaks.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), approximately 813,000 internally displaced people are currently residing in at least 154 shelters managed by the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA. OCHA has warned that the overcrowded conditions in these shelters are contributing to the spread of diseases such as acute respiratory illnesses and diarrhea, posing significant environmental and health concerns.

The WHO and other humanitarian organizations are urgently calling for international assistance to address the escalating health crisis in Gaza. The situation requires immediate action to ensure access to clean water, medical supplies, and adequate sanitation facilities to prevent the further spread of diseases among the vulnerable population.

[Reporting by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber; Editing by Madeline Chambers and Hugh Lawson]