Disease deaths in Gaza may surpass casualties from bombs, warns WHO during ongoing Israeli siege.: Analysis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Gaza Strip could see more deaths from disease than from bombings if the health and sanitation systems are not repaired. The critical infrastructure in the besieged territory has been severely damaged due to fuel and supply shortages, targeted attacks on hospitals and UN facilities, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

According to Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the WHO, the collapse of al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza is a “tragedy,” and she expressed concern about the detention of medical staff by Israeli forces. The WHO is particularly worried about the rise in outbreaks of infectious diseases in Gaza, including diarrheal diseases. A United Nations report on the living conditions of displaced residents in northern Gaza confirms the lack of access to medicines, vaccination activities, safe water, hygiene, and food.

All essential sanitation services in Gaza have ceased operating, which could lead to a surge in gastrointestinal and infectious diseases, including cholera. The situation is dire for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, half of whom are children, as finding drinkable water has become close to impossible. The WHO has recorded over 44,000 cases of diarrhea and 70,000 acute respiratory infections, but the actual numbers may be much higher. The UN health agency is extremely concerned about the upcoming winter season, which could exacerbate the already critical situation with rains and floods.

James Elder, a spokesperson from the UN children’s agency in Gaza, highlighted that hospitals are overwhelmed with children suffering from war wounds and gastroenteritis due to drinking dirty water. If nothing changes, Richard Brennan, the regional emergency director for the Eastern Mediterranean region at WHO, warned of an increased risk of major disease outbreaks.

Despite a temporary truce agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health reported that no fuel had arrived for generators at hospitals in the territory’s north. The UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process emphasized the urgent need for additional aid and supplies to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Gaza City Mayor Yahya al-Siraj warned of a potential public health “catastrophe” if there is no access to fuel to pump clean water and clear waste from the streets.

According to health authorities in the enclave, Israeli bombardment has already resulted in the deaths of more than 14,800 Palestinians, including 6,150 children and over 4,000 women.

The article relies on sources such as the World Health Organization and the UN, which are credible sources in the field of public health and humanitarian emergencies. The information presented aligns with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and the documented impact on the health and sanitation systems in Gaza. However, as with any news article, it’s essential to critically evaluate the presentation of facts and potential biases.

The article does not appear to have any overt biases, but it clearly highlights the dire situation and suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. The focus is on the impact of the conflict on health and sanitation systems and the potential for disease outbreaks, which is a significant concern in humanitarian crises. However, it’s important to consider the broader context of the conflict, including the security concerns and actions taken by all parties involved.

This article provides valuable information about the current state of health and sanitation in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for repairs and additional aid to prevent an even greater public health crisis. However, readers should be cautious of potential misinformation or biased narratives that might emerge in the context of the ongoing conflict and the prevalence of fake news. It is crucial to rely on reputable sources and to critically assess the information provided in order to gain a nuanced understanding of the complex issues at hand.

Source: Aljazeera news: Disease could kill more in Gaza than bombs, WHO says amid Israeli siege