Israeli Siege Increases Possibility of an Epidemic Wave in Gaza

On Tuesay, the Hamas-run Health Ministry warned of the possible outbreak of a major epidemic wave in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes and siege on the Palestinian enclave.

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Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qedra said that up to 3,150 cases of diseases were recorded in a single day after the outbreak on Oct. 7, with the most of them reported among children.

Among the diseases with the greatest potential to cause epidemics in the Gaza Strip are diarrhea, food poisoning, skin symptoms, scabies, and bronchial infections.

Due to overcrowding in shelter facilities, a lack of clean water, and poor personal hygiene, epidemic diseases have become increasingly prevalent.

To prevent the spread of diseases, al-Qedra called on the international community to provide immediate assistance and restore basic services in Gaza, including water, electricity, and sanitation.

Since Oct. 7, Israel have launched massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has so far killed nearly 5,800 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and more than 1,400 people in Israel.