WHO Warns of Rising Respiratory Illnesses in Gaza Amid Winter Floods and Crowding

The World Health Organisation warned on Friday of a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses across Gaza as heavy rains flooded tens of thousands of tents housing displaced people. Acute respiratory infections are 33,000 cases higher than at the same time last year.

Causes And Conditions

Dr. Reinhilde Van De Weerdt, WHO representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said poor living conditions and severe overcrowding are driving up infections. Gaza's population is squeezed into a smaller area as the Israeli military expands its control by advancing the Yellow Line, a demarcation established under October's U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The Israeli military told Reuters the Yellow Line aims to protect Israeli civilians and troops, and that adjustments follow the ceasefire agreement and international law. COGAT, the Israeli military agency coordinating aid, stated that over 93,000 tents and 8,600 trucks carrying winter supplies have entered Gaza under the winterisation plan, adding that reconstruction equipment will only enter after Hamas is fully disarmed.

Health Risks And Aid

Respiratory infections currently make up 11% of all medical consultations. Nearly a million displaced people live in flood-exposed areas, with 400,000 in locations at extremely high risk. Flooding heightens the risk of contaminated water, while dampness encourages mould and bacteria. While most medicines are entering Gaza, the WHO faces difficulty getting vital laboratory supplies needed to diagnose patients. COGAT responded that Israel has facilitated the entry of all requested medicines and has not rejected any requests, noting that equipment like X-ray machines and oxygen generators has also entered.

Context

Winter weather often worsens public health conditions in conflict zones where large populations live in temporary shelters without proper infrastructure. Flooding and cold temperatures increase the spread of waterborne and airborne illnesses, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.