OMM Newsroom
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on November 13 that respiratory illnesses are increasing in Gaza. The situation is expected to worsen after heavy rains flooded tens of thousands of tents housing displaced Palestinians, the organization said.
Acute respiratory infections are 33,000 higher than at the same time last year, WHO representative Reinhilde Van De Weerdt told reporters, AnewZ reports.
WHO linked the increase in infections to poor living conditions and severe overcrowding. The organization said the situation is being exacerbated as Gaza’s population is pushed into an increasingly small area.
The Israeli military has also increased overcrowding by expanding the area under its control, moving forward the “Yellow Line” established under a U.S.-mediated ceasefire reached in October. Van De Weerdt said the likelihood of viruses spreading from person to person rises when people live in more crowded conditions.
The Israeli military told “Reuters” that the “Yellow Line” is intended to protect Israeli civilians and soldiers from threats. It said changes to the line’s position are consistent with the ceasefire agreement and international law, and are not intended to harm civilians.
COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for coordinating aid activities, said more than 8,600 trucks carrying over 93,000 tents and tarpaulins, blankets and winter clothing had entered Gaza since the Board of Peace, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations began a winter preparedness plan.
COGAT added that equipment intended for Gaza’s reconstruction would be allowed into the territory only after Hamas is fully disarmed. Last week, it said it had stepped up efforts, in coordination with international organizations, to improve sanitation ahead of heavy rains.
Respiratory infections currently account for 11 percent of all medical consultations. WHO expects cold weather, flooding, crowded shelters and poor ventilation to push that figure higher.
Van De Weerdt said just a few days of rain had shown what could happen in the coming months, and that winter had not yet fully begun. The most difficult period is still ahead, she said.
About one million displaced people in Gaza live in areas at risk of flooding, according to WHO. Of these, 400,000 are in locations considered at extremely high risk.
The organization warned that flooding increases the risk of water contamination, while standing water creates conditions for mosquitoes and pests to multiply. Dampness encourages mold and bacteria, which are key contributors to respiratory infections, particularly among young children.
WHO said most medicines had entered Gaza, but that it was facing difficulties getting in laboratory supplies needed to diagnose patients before treatment.
“We are calling for laboratory equipment to enter Gaza today to prevent another public health disaster from being added to this one,” Van De Weerdt said.
COGAT said Israel had facilitated the entry of all medicines requested by international aid organizations and had rejected none of the requests it received. The body said X-ray machines, oxygen generators, batteries, generators and other equipment had also entered Gaza.
