Gaza's Health Crisis: Disease Outbreaks and Urgent Calls for Action
Gaza is facing a severe water and sewage crisis, with sewage flowing in the streets and key sanitation services ceasing to operate. This has led to a surge in gastrointestinal and infectious diseases, including fears of a cholera outbreak. The lack of clean water has made it close to impossible for Gaza's 2.3 million residents to find drinkable water, forcing them to consume polluted and salty water. The collapse of water and sanitation services, coupled with overcrowding and poor sanitation, has contributed to the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and skin infections. UN agencies have warned that urgent humanitarian aid is needed to prevent major outbreaks and the risk of cholera. The Israeli siege on Gaza has exacerbated the situation, with fuel shortages further impacting water and medical facilities.