Healthcare Crisis in Gaza: War Exacerbates Dire Situation, Overwhelms System, and Increases Infectious Diseases, Malnutrition, and Dehydration

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has exacerbated the already dire situation in the Gaza Strip, leaving the healthcare system overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate treatment to those who have fallen ill. The collapse of Gaza's health system has caused a surge in infectious diseases, with the World Health Organization reporting at least 369,000 cases since the war began. However, this number does not even include cases in northern Gaza, where the health system has been decimated. Respiratory infections are the most common diseases, posing a significant risk to Palestinians, especially children, older adults, and the immunocompromised, due to the dire living conditions. The situation for displaced Palestinians in Gaza is dire, with limited access to clean water and sanitation exacerbating the spread of diseases. Many families, like Samah al-Farra's, have been drinking foul-smelling water and living in unsanitary conditions. The collapse of the primary healthcare system has left many in need of basic medical care without treatment. Moreover, hospitals that are still functioning are primarily focused on providing critical care for trauma injuries from airstrikes, leaving postoperative care in unsanitary conditions and resulting in severe infections. The dire situation has also led to an increase in malnutrition, anemia, and dehydration cases among children. Displaced people in U.N.-run shelters are sharing bathrooms without running water, and the accumulation of fecal matter on the streets further contaminates water sources. The lack of access to basic necessities like blankets and warm clothes has also become a concern as the weather turns cold and rainy. Overall, the situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis, and urgent action is needed to address the healthcare and living conditions of the people affected by the war.