Intense heat wave in Gaza triggers skin ailments due to water scarcity; hospitals are finding it challenging to cope.
In the enclave of Gaza, a humanitarian crisis of unparalleled proportions unfolds as intense Israeli military operations continue to wreak havoc. The conflict, which started in October 2023, has resulted in extensive destruction, particularly in Gaza City, with entire urban areas being reduced to rubble, such as Az Zaytoun and As Sabra[1]. This large-scale military activity has led to massive displacement of people within Gaza and tens of thousands of casualties, with at least 61,722 Palestinians reportedly killed and over 154,000 injured[2].
The humanitarian conditions are catastrophic. Over half a million people in Gaza are trapped in famine for the first time, facing widespread starvation, malnutrition, and preventable deaths[4]. UN agencies stress an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver food, medical supplies, and aid, which have been largely blocked for over five months[2][4]. People are living in inhumane conditions, sheltering in damaged or destroyed buildings, overcrowded displacement sites, or open areas under continuous threat from military strikes, including attacks on schools and tents where displaced people seek refuge[2].
Soaring temperatures and a severe shortage of drinking water are putting residents of all ages at increased health risk across the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Gaza's hospitals are struggling to operate essential medical devices due to halted fuel deliveries, a situation that directly threatens the lives of patients and the injured[1]. Hospitals in Gaza are in a critical state, with the failure to operate life-saving devices being described as catastrophic[1].
The international community has taken note of these grim circumstances. The UN Secretary-General and Human Rights bodies have condemned the "systematic destruction" in Gaza and highlighted potential violations of international humanitarian law due to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure[1][2]. The UN Security Council has held urgent briefings, advocating for ceasefire negotiations and the protection of the two-state solution. Recent diplomatic efforts mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to establish a ceasefire have stalled, with Israel reportedly demanding an ultimatum for Hamas to release hostages and disarm as terms for ending hostilities[3].
In a significant development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza[5]. Al-Shifa Hospital director Mohammed Abu Salmiya stated this on Thursday[5].
This situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and worsening humanitarian consequences[1][2][3][4]. The people of Gaza continue to endure unimaginable hardships, while the international community watches and deliberates their future.
References:
- Al Jazeera
- UN OCHA
- Reuters
- UNICEF
- Haaretz
- Amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza, discussions about health-and-wellness and skin-care products seem far-fetched as the region grapples with critical shortages of drinking water and functioning hospitals.
- As the political landscape remains complex and contentious, with ceasefire negotiations stalled and warrants issued for Israeli political leaders, questions about general-news developments and the future of the two-state solution take center stage.
- In contrast, the progress of science and scientific research appears to be the least of concerns in Gaza, where the urgent humanitarian needs overshadow any discourse on advancements or innovations.
