Gaza Struggles in Harsh Winter Conditions Amidst Healthcare Crisis
Gaza: Winter is arriving quickly, bringing rainstorms and powerful winds that are making life even more challenging for the 1.8 million Palestinians displaced by Israel’s offensive. The situation is already catastrophic, with almost all of Gaza’s healthcare system having collapsed.
People are living in tents, facing cold temperatures without proper shelter. Women are giving birth in unsterile conditions, and wood fires used for warmth are worsening respiratory ailments. The lack of medicine has forced many to search for up to 10 pharmacies without success.
Mahmud Abu Rayan, displaced from Beit Lahia to Rafah, expressed the dire conditions: “It’s so cold, and the tent is so small. All I have are the clothes I wear; I still don’t know what the next step will be.” Soad Qarmoot, also displaced, added, “We are living here with a tough cold. There are no bathrooms. We are sleeping on the sand.”
The winter weather is making an already challenging situation worse. Communicable diseases are increasing, including bloody diarrhoea, respiratory infections, jaundice, hepatitis A, and meningitis. The shortage of antibiotics is leading to deaths from post-operative infections, and the chronically ill are dying without proper care.
Ramzy, who was evacuated to Rafah, shared the heartbreaking story of his mother’s death due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injured people, making it difficult to provide care for normal diseases.
The conditions are dire, with overcrowding, a lack of quality water, and a scarcity of basic necessities. Léo Cans of Médecins Sans Frontières stated, “It is a perfect recipe for communicable diseases.” Disease outbreaks are a mounting concern, with jaundice spreading due to dirty water and overcrowding.
Margaret Harris of the World Health Organization highlighted the challenges, stating, “We’re already seeing very, very worrying outbreaks, such as outbreaks of jaundice.” The lack of functioning laboratories is hindering the ability to confirm diseases.
Hanin Wishah, a project manager with Action Aid, described the situation as a disastrous return to the pre-antibiotic period due to dwindling antibiotic stocks. Hepatitis is spreading among the displaced, and thousands are sleeping on the streets with no shelter.
With Israel planning to continue its campaign until the end of January, the arrival of the full winter is alarming. Hanin expressed concern: “If people are not dying in the bombardment, people will be dying in the streets. We are all praying for winter to be miraculously postponed.”
Voice messages from Action Aid staff reveal the desperation. Abu, living in a tent at a UN warehouse, described tents being scattered by wind and rain. Diseases, especially diarrhoea, are spreading, and medicine is scarce.
Complicating the issue is that many fled south with only summer clothes, lacking winter essentials. Rana, living in a tent with her children, described a recent storm: “The tent was about to fly away, and we were freezing. The children were shivering so much. Sweaters and winter clothes are not available. We don’t know what to do.”
The situation in Gaza demands urgent attention and assistance to address the immediate health and shelter needs of the displaced population. As winter intensifies, the international community must come together to provide the necessary support and resources to alleviate the suffering of those caught in this humanitarian crisis.
