Palestinian health officials call for urgent international intervention to save Gaza families

Palestinian Health Minister Majid Abu Ramadan issued an urgent appeal to the international community, the United Nations, and health, humanitarian, and relief organizations for immediate intervention to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced people in the Gaza Strip. Thousands of tents have been flooded by rainwater, leaving no safe shelter, and the health and environmental conditions are rapidly deteriorating. He warned of the escalating risk of infectious diseases spreading and the threat to the lives of the most vulnerable groups, at a time when winter is still in its early stages.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Palestinian minister emphasized that the situation is unfolding amidst a complex health and humanitarian crisis. This crisis is compounded by the widespread destruction of infrastructure, water and sanitation networks, accumulated waste, shortages of clean water and hygiene supplies, severe overcrowding in displacement centers, malnutrition, and reduced access to basic healthcare services. These factors exacerbate the health risks to the population and create fertile ground for the spread of disease.

He explained that constant exposure to cold and dampness inside dilapidated tents, along with overcrowding and poor ventilation, increases the risk of respiratory infections, including influenza and pneumonia, and threatens serious complications, especially among children, infants, the elderly, and the sick, in light of the lack of heating, clothing, and winter blankets.