UNRWA chief warns about alarming new levels of diseases in Gaza amid Israeli siege

The commissioner general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned of “record highs” of diseases in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, as Israel maintains strict curbs on crucial shelter supplies amid freezing winter temperatures.

“Amid more than two years of war in the Gaza Strip, children repeatedly missed out on the vaccines that they need to keep them safe from preventable diseases,” Philippe Lazzarini wrote in a post published on the social media platform X on Monday.

“Harsh winter weather, with cold, heavy rainfall and floods, has Gaza in its grip. This compounds disease risks that are already at record highs because of poor water and sanitation in overcrowded shelters, the collapse of the medical system,” he added.

Lazzarini noted that UNRWA teams, in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO and local partners, kicked off the second round of a vaccination campaign on Sunday, aimed at children under three years old.

He stressed that “UNRWA works to save lives in Gaza.”

The remarks come as al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City has raised an alarming alert about the worsening health crisis, amid a surge in cases of unidentified illnesses.

Medical officials are warning that the strained healthcare system is struggling to cope with the rising number of patients facing a severe shortage of diagnostic and treatment capabilities.

Dr. Moataz Harara, who heads the Emergency and Reception Department at the hospital, reported that the department has been receiving more than 500 patients each day for the past two weeks.

He noted that around 200 patients a day suffer from severe respiratory illnesses, with symptoms including high fever, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, persistent vomiting, coughing, and chest pain.

Harara noted that the severity of symptoms can differ greatly based on a person's immune system. While some individuals may recover in just two days, others, especially those with chronic illnesses, may need to be hospitalized.

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According to the doctor, there has also been a significant uptick in cases of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted by rodents. Between two and three cases are now recorded every two months, marking a stark rise from the previous rate of just one case every three years.

He also warned of an alarming increase in cases of acute flaccid paralysis, reporting nearly 20 cases in the past month alone, compared to a few per year in the past.

Dr. Ahmad al-Rubai, a pulmonology and internal medicine expert, also raised serious concerns about the increasing dangers facing respiratory patients. This alarming situation is fueled by a critical lack of medications and medical equipment, further worsened by inadequate displacement conditions and pervasive air pollution.

Respiratory infections, along with severe influenza and pneumonia, have seen a significant rise, putting many patients in critical condition, he noted.

Rubai stated that most of the people in Gaza are currently residing in tents or unsuitable shelters, and the situation is having a direct impact on their immune responses and is making respiratory illnesses worse.

He added, “Living in tents or semi-destroyed homes has greatly weakened immunity. Constant exposure to cold air and overcrowding in displacement areas have further accelerated the spread of infections.”

The use of firewood for heating inside tents has also worsened the situation. “Smoke from cooking with wood or plastic severely damages the lungs, aggravates inflammation, and worsens asthma and chronic respiratory conditions,” Rubai said.

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Rubai reported that the unavailability of crucial medications and delays in treatment have resulted in the worsening condition and, in some cases, the fatalities of patients. A significant number have faced serious complications from respiratory diseases, necessitating admission to the ICU.

He cautioned that if life-saving medications and devices are not delivered promptly, countless others may suffer the same consequences.

Israel has blocked humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza during its genocidal war against Palestinians, spurring widespread starvation.

Legal experts point out that the situation shows Israel’s failure to fulfill its international responsibilities as the occupying power in the Gaza Strip, particularly concerning the necessities of the Palestinian population living under its authority.

It also goes against a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States that was established in October, which required Israel to permit 600 aid trucks to enter the territory each day.

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