Infectious diseases are wreaking havoc on the population of Gaza, according to health officials and aid organizations. The reasons behind the spread of diseases include cold and wet weather, overcrowding in shelters, limited access to food, dirty water, and a lack of medicine. The ongoing war has overwhelmed hospitals with patients injured in airstrikes, leaving little to no treatment options for those who fall ill. The World Health Organization has reported at least 369,000 cases of infectious diseases since the war began, a significant increase from before the conflict. However, this number does not fully capture the severity of the crisis, as it does not include cases in northern Gaza where the health system has been overwhelmed. The most common diseases in Gaza are respiratory infections, which can pose serious risks given the dire living conditions. Displaced Palestinians are facing unsanitary conditions in overcrowded shelters, leading to the spread of diseases. The collapse of Gaza’s health system has left many in need of basic medical care without treatment. The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of aid coming into Gaza since the temporary ceasefire collapsed. Hospitals that are still operational are primarily focused on providing critical care for trauma injuries, but postoperative care is being provided in unsanitary conditions, resulting in severe infections. The primary healthcare system in central Gaza has completely collapsed, leaving those in need of basic medical care without access to treatment. The unsanitary conditions and lack of resources have led to a rise in malnutrition, anemia, and dehydration cases among children. The dire situation has also affected the availability of clean water, with displaced individuals sharing bathrooms without running water. Fecal matter accumulating on the streets further contributes to the spread of disease. The situation has left families struggling to care for their children, with limited access to clean water and basic necessities. The need for humanitarian aid in Gaza has become urgent, as the population continues to suffer from the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict.
