Heavy Rains Kill at Least 10 in Gaza Amid Dire Humanitarian Crisis, WHO Reports
WHO chief warns of impending disease surge as flooding inundates displacement camps and Israel blocks critical medical supplies.
Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has killed at least 10 people in Gaza, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Saturday, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian situation for displaced Palestinians living in exposed, flooded tents.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a stark warning on social media, stating that the combination of flooding, inadequate water and sanitation, and overcrowded conditions is likely to trigger a surge in acute respiratory infections, influenza, hepatitis, and diarrheal diseases.
The crisis is compounded by continued Israeli restrictions. Tedros noted that WHO is facing severe obstacles in delivering essential laboratory reagents and diagnostic equipment to Gaza, as many supplies are being blocked after being classified as “dual-use” items by Israeli authorities.
He called for the urgent entry of these materials, which are critical for detecting and responding to disease outbreaks in the enclave.
The deaths from weather-related exposure occur against the backdrop of ongoing violence. Since the war began in October 2023, Israeli forces have killed more than 70,300 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 171,000. Despite a ceasefire that took effect on October 10, Israeli forces have continued attacks, killing at least 386 Palestinians and wounding 1,018 during the truce period.
Source: Al Jazeera
