The director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed deep apprehension on Friday regarding the escalating peril posed by infectious diseases within Gaza. This concern arises from the continuous displacement of individuals since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October.
Tedros conveyed his worries via a communication on X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting the persistent rise in illness among residents living in cramped shelters from mid-October to mid-December. He emphasized that a staggering 4.24 lakh individuals are grappling with various health complications.
Furthermore, Tedros affirmed that the WHO, alongside its partners, is unwaveringly committed to bolstering health authorities. Their efforts centre on fortifying disease surveillance and control by furnishing essential medications and testing kits. These provisions aim to facilitate swift detection and response mechanisms for infectious diseases, notably hepatitis. Simultaneously, there's an ongoing endeavour to enhance the accessibility of clean water, food, and vital hygiene and sanitation services.
A distressing reality persists within Gaza, where almost the entire population of 2.3 million has been compelled to vacate their residences, some multiple times. The current Israeli offensive against the Palestinian enclave has necessitated many to seek refuge in rudimentary tents or seek shelter under makeshift coverings of tarpaulins and plastic sheets on exposed terrain.
Reports from Gaza's Khan Younis indicate intense Israeli tank fire and aerial bombardment on Friday night, leading to casualties among the residents. According to the Reuters news agency, nearly 200 people lost their lives within 24 hours during Israel's concerted operation against Hamas militants. Consequently, the overall death toll within Gaza has climbed to 21,507, accounting for approximately one per cent of the enclave's total population.
This recent assault transpired 12 weeks following the prior incursion by Hamas militants into Israeli towns. That previous act resulted in the loss of 1,200 lives and the abduction of 240 individuals. In retaliation, Israeli forces have laid extensive destruction across the Gaza Strip as part of their pursuit to eliminate the Islamist group.
