UNITED NATIONS: The war-torn Gaza is facing a serious risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases, which could be worsened due to acute water shortages and inadequate waste management, warn UN humanitarian agencies
UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) head Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the alarming spread of hepatitis A, particularly among children.
He said since the conflict began last October, UNRWA has reported 40,000 cases, a dramatic rise from just 85 before the war. Hepatitis A, transmitted through contaminated food and water, poses a severe threat due to the collapsed waste management system in Gaza.
Lazzarini said that trash is piling up, sewage is spilling onto streets, and people face long waits for basic sanitation facilities, creating a "dangerous recipe" for disease spread.
Humanitarian agencies are also concerned over a potential polio outbreak after recent detections in sewage samples from Gaza.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a ceasefire to ensure safe vaccine delivery, as ongoing violence and restricted access hinder aid efforts.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Israeli restrictions and security issues have impeded the delivery of aid, with only 67 of 157 planned aid missions to northern Gaza being completed in July.
UNRWA also announced that 202 of its staff members have been killed since the Gaza conflict began, marking the deadliest conflict for UN personnel since 1945. Many were killed while providing essential services or in their homes, it regretted.
The UN secretary-general has vowed to seek accountability for these losses, with plans to honor the fallen staff in the coming weeks.