According to the latest reports from international charity Doctors Without Borders, the living conditions in Gaza are deteriorating at an alarming rate, with the rise in infectious diseases being a major concern. These worrying indicators, which include an increase in skin diseases, lice, and diarrhea-like symptoms, are being attributed to unhygienic living conditions caused by the dearth of basic necessities like clean water and medicine.
In an even more distressing revelation, The World Health Organization has reported that less than a third of hospitals in Gaza are functional at the moment. Many operational hospitals are also grappling with their own sets of challenges, such as sporadic sniper fire and the proximity of military tanks. Tragically, in one instance, a doctor was shot and injured from outside Al-Aouda Hospital while tending to patients.
In addition to limited access to medical facilities and the persistent shortage of medicine, the situation is further compounded by overcrowded hospitals, lack of nutritious food and water, and a considerable number of people seeking refuge in these hospitals. Even new mothers and their newborns are not spared; it is estimated that about 5,500 babies were born in these dire conditions over the past month amid limited access to proper nutrition.
Twitter Post On Infectious diseases spreading rapidly amidst Gaza conflicts, says Doctors Without Borders
Despite allegations from the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) suggesting that hospitals are being used by armed groups as hideouts, Doctors Without Borders challenge these claims highlighting the lack of substantial proof or evidence. The group maintains its sole focus on saving lives and relieving suffering despite the extreme shortages of essential supplies like anesthesia, painkillers, and other medicines.
The charity is calling for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the right to health care during conflict. Essential to this effort is the provision of necessary aid, a concerted effort to reduce suffering and a halt to the violence. Doctors Without Borders describes the current situation as an act of 'outrageous cruelty' towards civilians and a stark violation of humanitarian law.
