Health ministry warns of possible epidemic wave in Gaza amid Israeli attacks, siege

GAZA -- The Hamas-run Health Ministry on Tuesday warned of the possible outbreak of a major epidemic wave in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes and siege on the Palestinian enclave.

Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qedra said in a press statement that up to 3,150 cases of diseases were recorded in a single day after the outbreak of Israel-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7, with the most of them reported among children. The diseases included diarrhea, food poisoning, skin symptoms, scabies, and bronchial infections.

Due to overcrowding in shelter facilities, a lack of clean water, and poor personal hygiene, epidemic diseases have become increasingly prevalent, he said.

To prevent the spread of diseases, he called on the international community to provide immediate assistance and restore basic services in Gaza, including water, electricity, and sanitation.

Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct 7, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, where they seized a large number of hostages. To respond, Israel launched massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has so far killed nearly 5,800 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and more than 1,400 people in Israel.