World Health Organization Warns of Outbreak of Infectious Diseases in Gaza

The World Health Organization warned on Wednesday that the Gaza Strip is facing the risk of an outbreak of infectious diseases due to Israeli airstrikes. The airstrikes have disrupted the health system and access to clean water in Gaza, leading to overcrowding in shelters. Fuel shortages have also disrupted waste collection, creating an environment conducive to the spread of diseases by insects and rodents. The organization reported that over 33,000 cases of diarrhea have been reported in Gaza since mid-October, showing a significant increase among children under five compared to previous years. The WHO also warned that the risk of other infections such as cholera, measles, and typhoid has increased in Gaza. While there has been very limited delivery of food, water, and medicine to Gaza, Israel has not allowed fuel to enter due to concerns about the potential diversion of aid to Hamas. David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee, also warned about the potential threat of infectious diseases in Gaza in an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized America's commitment to delivering vital humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza during a meeting with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority. Hamas killed at least 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians, in a terrorist attack on October 7 and kidnapped about 240 Israelis and foreign nationals, including children, women, and the elderly. The United States, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have classified Hamas as a terrorist organization. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is visiting Egypt to discuss assistance for the people of Gaza. An Israeli army spokesperson stated that it is Hamas that does not care about the lives of the people in Gaza. The head of the International Rescue Committee stated that a 'minimum five-day' ceasefire in Gaza is essential. Reports suggest a possible temporary halt to the war in exchange for the release of hostages; Netanyahu urged people to dismiss baseless rumors. Italy is sending a hospital ship to Gaza to assist injured Palestinian civilians. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that they will use any option to defend Israel. An Israeli army spokesperson stated that since the beginning of the war, 14,000 targets and many senior Hamas commanders have been destroyed. Another fake video from Gaza has gone viral on social media. The Mossad and security services thwarted a Hezbollah terrorist attack plan in Brazil.