The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning this week that disease could cause the most deaths in Gaza amid the Israel–Hamas conflict that erupted last month. The U.N.-backed health agency said that the health care system needs to be repaired, warning of a surge in infectious diseases and diarrhea in children. Margaret Harris, a representative of the WHO, emphasized that the health system must be restored to prevent more deaths from disease than from the ongoing bombardment in Gaza.
Concerns were raised about the rise in infectious diseases, particularly diarrhea in infants and children, with cases for those aged five and older surging to more than 100 times normal levels by early November. The closure of about three-quarters of hospitals in Gaza due to the military operation or lack of fuel has exacerbated the situation significantly.
The regional emergency director for WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean sub-agency, Richard Brennan, emphasized that without changes to the health care system, more people will fall sick and the risk of major outbreaks will increase dramatically, according to Qatar-backed Al Jazeera television. Health officials provided more details about diseases that might spread throughout Gaza and included cholera and typhoid, both of which can lead to death.
Furthermore, the WHO, which has been criticized for a lack of transparency and favoritism to the Chinese regime during the COVID-19 pandemic, stressed the importance of a permanent ceasefire. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country would continue the war against Hamas, citing the achievement of all their goals as the motive. President Joe Biden also expressed reluctance to back a permanent ceasefire, asserting that Hamas represents a threat to Israel and that its military is taking measures to avoid civilian deaths.
Meanwhile, the current temporary ceasefire that has allowed for the release of hostages captured by Hamas is set to end, as top U.S. officials have pushed for an extension. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance and a cessation of the terrorist attacks of October 7. President Biden and Mr. Blinken have also suggested the resumption of talks to create an independent Palestinian state as the path to enduring peace and security.