Gaza is grappling with a severe winter season, marked by a critical shortage of essential services and medicine, as its healthcare system teeters on the brink of collapse. Successive waves of cold fronts have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation, triggering widespread health concerns.
Reports indicate a surge in deaths and illnesses linked to the harsh weather conditions. International organizations have warned that heavy rainfall and fluctuating temperatures are significantly impacting public health, contributing to the rapid spread of infectious diseases, particularly within displacement camps.
According to field reports, approximately 20% of medical examinations conducted by international medical teams recently are related to infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the immense challenges it faces in delivering vital medical supplies to the region, citing restrictions imposed on the entry of essential items.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health in Gaza announced the death of an infant due to the extreme cold, bringing the total number of weather-related fatalities reported in hospitals to 13. The southern city of Khan Younis is facing a particularly acute humanitarian crisis, with municipal services nearing complete paralysis. Waste removal and debris clearance operations have ground to a halt due to fuel shortages and the lack of spare parts.
In Gaza City, a full-blown environmental catastrophe is looming. Over a quarter of a million tons of solid waste are accumulating in various locations, some adjacent to displacement camps. Rainfall is mixing with waste and toxins, leading to the leakage of hazardous pollutants into residential areas and further fueling the spread of diseases among children and the elderly.
Reports indicate significant damage to sanitation infrastructure, with a large percentage of sewage pumps and networks destroyed, drastically reducing drainage capacity. Consequently, a substantial volume of untreated sewage is being discharged into the sea daily, posing a severe environmental hazard. The situation demands immediate international attention and intervention to alleviate the suffering of the Gazan population. Urgent action is needed to provide adequate shelter, medical care, and sanitation services to prevent further loss of life and contain the spread of disease.
