Worsening weather conditions and intensifying Israeli attacks are exacerbating the already difficult living conditions of thousands of displaced Palestinians crowded into shelters in southern Gaza in an attempt to escape the war.
Strong winds, torrential rains and floods are hitting displaced people living in tents, heightening concerns about the spread of disease in overcrowded shelters lacking adequate sewage facilities.
The Palestinian Territory’s Ministry of Health reports that infectious diseases are spreading. More than 360,000 cases of infection have been discovered among the 1.9 million people displaced by the Israeli military offensive.
In its latest situation report on the situation in Gaza, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported cases of meningitis, chickenpox, jaundice and upper respiratory infections.
The UN also reports that only 11 of the enclave’s 36 hospitals are functioning and able to admit new patients, although services are limited.
The Health Ministry reported that patient occupancy rates now reach 206 percent in inpatient wards and 250 percent in intensive care units.
Israel resumed its military offensive on the Gaza Strip on December 1 after the end of a week-long humanitarian truce with Hamas.
At least 18,412 Palestinians have been killed and more than 46,480 injured in relentless air and ground attacks on the enclave since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing around 1,150 people and returning 240 captives in Gaza.