Gaza Faces 'Inevitable' Spread of Infectious Diseases, Warns WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stark warning on Thursday, stating that the Gaza Strip is on the brink of an inevitable outbreak of infectious diseases due to poor sanitation and a severe lack of clean water.

"Over 1.9 million people have been displaced from their homes, with more than 1.4 million residing in overcrowded shelters. These conditions provide a fertile ground for the continued rise of infectious diseases," emphasized WHO in an official statement.

"In Gaza, the average stands at only one shower for every 4,500 people and one toilet for every 220. Clean water scarcity persists, contributing to increased outdoor defecation, creating conditions conducive to the spread of infectious diseases."

Since mid-October, over 100,000 cases of diarrhea have been recorded in the enclave, with half of those cases affecting children under five—a rate 25 times higher than pre-conflict levels, according to WHO.