Gaza Children Affected by Contaminated Water
- Children in Gaza are falling ill due to drinking and bathing in dirty water.
- Common ailments include hepatitis and skin infections.
- Urgent action is needed to address the contaminated water issue in Gaza.
In Gaza, a severe health crisis is emerging as infants and young children suffer from ailments linked to contaminated water, exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Families, including that of Samar Hamoda, have been forced to flee to evacuation zones, struggling to find clean water for basic hygiene. Oxfam International reports that 94% of Gaza's water supply has been compromised, with most desalination plants and wells destroyed or damaged, leaving residents with less than five liters of water per day. The humanitarian situation is dire, with the World Health Organization (WHO) planning to distribute 1.2 million polio vaccines in response to the rising health threats. Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra from Nasser Hospital highlighted the alarming spread of hepatitis A, with nearly 40,000 cases reported since the war began. The mayor of Khan Younis noted the destruction of water wells, raising concerns about further contamination and health risks. Amidst this crisis, an Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in central Gaza resulted in at least 80 fatalities, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the conflict. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a Hamas command center, while witnesses described the chaos and devastation as civilians prayed inside the mosque. The U.N. has reported extensive damage to schools, emphasizing Israel's obligation to protect civilians under international law. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains precarious, with calls for both sides to adhere to international laws aimed at minimizing civilian harm.