In a stark announcement on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO) asserted that more lives could be lost to disease than to bombings in the Gaza Strip if immediate action is not taken to repair its ailing health system. The spokesperson, Margaret Harris, emphasized the looming threat of a surge in infectious diseases, particularly highlighting the alarming increase in cases of diarrhea among children.
According to figures endorsed by the United Nations, Gaza health authorities report that over 15,000 people have been confirmed killed in Israel’s bombardment of the narrow enclave. Shockingly, around 40% of these casualties are children, with many more feared trapped under the rubble. Israel’s military campaign is targeted at Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, following a breach of the border by its gunmen resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the capture of 240 individuals on October 7.
Speaking at a U.N. briefing in Geneva, Margaret Harris emphasized the critical need to restore the health system in Gaza, stating, “Eventually, we will witness more people succumbing to disease than to the ongoing bombardment if we cannot rebuild this health system.” Harris reiterated concerns about the rise in infectious diseases, particularly highlighting a surge in diarrhea cases among infants and children, reaching over 100 times normal levels by early November.
The dire health situation is exacerbated by the lack of clean water, food shortages, and overcrowded living conditions, affecting people everywhere in the region. While a temporary pause in fighting has allowed some aid, including food, water, and medicine, to enter Gaza, humanitarian agencies argue that the current efforts are insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs of the population.
James Elder, spokesperson for the UN Children’s Agency in Gaza, conveyed the distressing reality on the ground, revealing that hospitals in the strip are overwhelmed with children suffering from burns, shrapnel wounds, and gastroenteritis resulting from the consumption of contaminated water. The urgent call for international assistance underscores the critical need for immediate action to address the escalating health crisis in Gaza.
