WHO warns of Gaza health crisis amid conflict

The recent conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants has left many Palestinians displaced in the Gaza Strip. The scorching heat in the region is now posing a severe threat to their health. The World Food Programme has issued a warning about an impending public health crisis due to the lack of clean water, food, and medical supplies.

The combination of displacement and high temperatures can lead to an increase in diseases, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Issues such as water contamination, food spoilage, insect infestations, dehydration, and heat stroke are expected to rise due to the extreme heat in Gaza.

Globally, extreme heat has already claimed hundreds of lives as summer begins in the northern hemisphere. In Gaza, poor water and sanitation conditions have resulted in a significant spike in diarrhoea cases, currently 25 times higher than usual.

Contaminated water and inadequate sanitation facilities are directly linked to the spread of diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, and hepatitis A, as highlighted by the WHO. Medical evacuations from Gaza have faced challenges since the closure of the Rafah crossing in early May.

Approximately 10,000 patients in Gaza urgently need medical evacuation, with half of them suffering from health issues related to the conflict. The recent Israeli offensive in the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory has resulted in over 37,400 fatalities, according to health authorities.

The conflict escalated after Hamas militants crossed into southern Israel, leading to casualties on both sides. Israeli sources report around 1,200 deaths and more than 250 individuals taken hostage during the initial stages of the conflict.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with the extreme heat exacerbating health risks for displaced Palestinians. Urgent international assistance is needed to address the scarcity of essential resources and prevent a further escalation of the public health crisis in the region.