Health authorities in Gaza warn of 'serious epidemics' from ongoing war

By Mohammad Majid

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) - A health official warned Monday of "serious epidemics" across the Gaza Strip as repercussions from Israel’s ongoing war against the Palestinian group Hamas.

"The percentage of contamination in the water used by the people in the Gaza Strip is very high," said Rami Al-Abadla, director of the primary healthcare department at the Gaza-based Health Ministry.

"The use of contaminated water over a week resulted in some diarrhea cases among children in the shelter centers," he said.

Al-Abadla noted that people in the shelter centers lack personal hygiene tools, with some cases of suffering from skin diseases reported.

He also warned over garbage accumulation in the streets, as Gaza produces around 2,000 tons of garbage daily and sanitation workers don't work under the heavy Israeli bombardment.

Ten days into the conflict with Hamas, an Israeli bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip has continued, with over 1 million people – almost half the total population of Gaza – having been displaced, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out as civilians flee to its southern region following an Israeli warning to evacuate its northern areas.

The fighting began when Hamas on Oct. 7 initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

At least 2,808 Palestinians, including 750 children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.

More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar