Gaza Faces Polio Epidemic Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

Gaza’s health ministry has declared a polio epidemic, linking the outbreak to Israel’s military offensive. This situation poses a significant health threat to residents and neighboring countries, worsening an already critical public health crisis. Recent tests revealed poliovirus type 2 in sewage, particularly in areas housing displaced individuals, prompting calls for immediate interventions to address the lack of clean water and sanitation.

In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) is sending over one million polio vaccines to Gaza, focusing on preventing infections among children. The Israeli military has also announced plans to vaccinate its soldiers in the region.

As the conflict continues, deteriorating sanitary conditions have led to increased cases of Hepatitis A and dysentery, raising concerns about further health crises. Many Palestinians live in makeshift shelters lacking basic hygiene facilities.

Meanwhile, the UN reports that 86% of Gaza is under Israeli evacuation orders amid ongoing violence, with 33 Palestinians killed in recent attacks. Thousands have fled central Gaza’s Bureij and Nuseirat refugee camps, facing repeated displacements. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, has highlighted the dire situation of displaced families in overcrowded areas.

The humanitarian crisis deepened following Israeli bombardments of al-Mawasi, previously deemed a “safe zone.” The UN Human Rights Office has also condemned Israel’s bombing of a drinking water reservoir in Rafah, calling it a violation of international law. Activists circulated footage of the incident, raising concerns over the water crisis.

Since October 7, 2023, over 39,360 Palestinians have been killed, with more than 90,900 injured, prompting calls for an immediate halt to military operations.