The World Health Organization issued a stark warning on Friday regarding a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses across Gaza, predicting that conditions will deteriorate further as winter weather and heavy rains impact the territory. Dr. Reinhilde Van De Weerdt, the WHO representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, reported that acute respiratory infections have risen by 33,000 cases compared to the same period last year. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, she stated that the current numbers already demonstrate significant pressure on the health system.
According to Al-Monitor, the surge is driven by severe overcrowding and poor living conditions as the population is compressed into smaller areas. The situation has intensified with the Israeli military’s expansion of the "yellow line," a demarcation established under a US-brokered ceasefire in October. Van De Weerdt explained that this movement forces people into tighter spaces, creating an environment where viruses spread more easily between humans. The Israeli military and COGAT, the agency coordinating aid, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the new restrictions.
Respiratory infections currently account for 11% of all medical consultations in the region. The WHO anticipates that cold weather, flooding, and inadequate ventilation in shelters will push these figures higher. Van De Weerdt emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that "winter has not even fully set in" and that the worst outcomes are yet to come. Nearly one million displaced individuals are living in areas exposed to flooding, with 400,000 located in zones deemed at extremely high risk.
The agency highlighted that flooding increases the risk of contaminated water and creates standing water that allows mosquitoes and pests to breed. Damp conditions in shelters encourage the growth of mould and bacteria, which are major drivers of respiratory infections, particularly among young children. While the majority of medicines are successfully entering Gaza, the WHO faces significant difficulties in importing laboratory supplies. These materials are essential for diagnosing patients before treatment can begin. Van De Weerdt called for immediate entry of laboratory equipment to prevent a public health disaster on top of the existing crisis.