Medical Relief: Gaza is complete disaster area with 5,000 chickenpox cases weekly

GAZA, July 30 (YPA) – The Palestinian Medical Relief Society warned of a worsening health catastrophe in Gaza as the occupation continues to target border and safe areas, resulting in unprecedented displacement and severe overcrowding in western areas near the “yellow zones.”

Dr. Muhammad Abu Afash, director of medical relief in northern Gaza, confirmed that the Strip is suffering from a severe shortage of medicines, medical supplies, food, and water. He described Gaza as a “completely disaster-stricken area” due to the spread of diseases and rodents, sewage leaks, and accumulated waste.

He said that citizens have not seen any change on the ground despite talk of a ceasefire, while the extreme heat inside the displaced persons’ tents has caused an abnormal increase in skin diseases and chickenpox, with more than 5,000 cases per week, in light of the lack of isolation facilities and resources.

He pointed out that there are about 173,000 wounded people in the Strip, 40% of whom need operations and rehabilitation, in addition to more than 6,000 amputees who are suffering because the occupation prevents the entry of prosthetic and rehabilitation supplies, and their conditions are worsening due to malnutrition and wound infections.