Heatwave exacerbates Gaza crisis

The World Food Programme (WFP) also warned that a major public health crisis is looming in Gaza due to a lack of clean water, food and medical supplies.

The heat will make life even more miserable for Palestinians in Gaza. Photo: AFP

“We have seen massive displacement in recent weeks and months, and we know that the combination of that and the heat can cause an increase in disease,” said Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative for Gaza and the West Bank.

“We have recorded water contamination due to hot water, and there will be more food spoilage due to high temperatures,” he said, adding that due to poor water and sanitation conditions in Gaza, the number of diarrheal cases has been 25 times higher than normal.

According to the WHO, contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery and hepatitis A. The agency has been unable to carry out medical evacuations from Gaza since the Rafah crossing closed in early May.

Peeperkorn said an estimated 10,000 patients still needed medical evacuation from Gaza, half of whom were suffering from war-related illnesses.

Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 37,400 people in the Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory, according to Gaza's health authority.

Cao Phong (according to AFP, Reuters, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/who-nang-nong-lam-tram-trong-them-cuoc-khung-hoang-o-gaza-post300325.html