The approach of winter in Gaza could increase public health risks for Palestinians living in tent camps. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric highlighted these risks during a daily press briefing on developments in the Middle East.
Citing assessments by World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Dujarric said Palestinians were continuing to live in densely populated and overcrowded conditions in tent camps.
Health system may be unable to handle additional strain
According to Ghebreyesus’s assessment, Gaza’s health system is operating at the limits of its capacity and may struggle to respond to further increases in disease and illness.
Dujarric said that as the rainy season begins and winter progresses, floodwaters could carry sewage and contaminated water into densely populated areas. These conditions could increase the risk of disease.
Call for access to essential health supplies
WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus called for increased access to basic medicines, rehabilitation equipment, public health services, and the limited laboratory and diagnostic supplies available.
Dujarric said that the UN and humanitarian partners in Gaza were supporting Palestinians in preparing for the rainy season. He added that more resources and access were urgently needed for these efforts to be sufficient.