The lack of drinking water and personal hygiene materials is causing an increase in the spread of infectious diseases among the displaced population of Gaza. According to the WHO, cases of diarrhea, chickenpox and jaundice have exceeded the figures of previous years.
At least 16 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in an Israeli attack on a school managed by the United Nations in Gaza that was used as a shelter for displaced people.
The Gaza Government Media Office stated on Saturday that more than 75 people had been injured in the attack on the Al Jaouni school, located in the Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza.
“We condemn the Israeli occupation for committing these continuous crimes and massacres against civilians, children and women,” the statement said.
Eyewitnesses said the attack appeared to have targeted the upper floors of the school, which is apparently used as shelter for about 7,000 people.
Many of the wounded were taken to the Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, the main medical center in central Gaza. The Israeli military stated that it was investigating the attack.
Also on Saturday, the Israeli army released more images of troops allegedly operating in Shijaiyah districtin Gaza City.
Troops have returned to the neighborhood months after the Israel Defense Forces said they had concluded their operations in the area.
Ground fighting has raged in Shijaiyah for the past two weeks, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.
The IDF video shows soldiers displaying weapons it claims were seized from a warehouse.
Hamas has repeatedly regrouped in the worst affected areas after the withdrawal of Israeli troopsraising questions about Israel’s ability to destroy the militant group’s military capabilities.
Meanwhile, lack of drinking water and personal hygiene materials is causing an increase in spread of infectious diseases among the displaced population of Gaza.
“We suffer from a lack of cleaning supplies. There is no soap, detergent or anything. I mean, the price of soap, even if it is available in the Gaza Strip, we cannot buy it. The price of scented soap is 25 shekels (6.20 euros). I don’t have 25 shekels to buy soap,” said Muhammad Al-Talouli, displaced from East Al-Bureij camp in central Gaza.
Nasser Al-Kurdi, displaced from Al-Bureij camp, said: “Epidemics and diseases have spread among the people and among the children. It is a very terrible thing. It is a very small area. Diseases spread at high speed“.
The World Health Organization reported in February that incidents of respiratory infection, diarrhea, scabies and lice, chickenpox and acute jaundice were much higher than in previous years.
Earlier this week, Morocco shipment 40 tons of medical aid to Gaza, which included equipment to carry out surgical emergencies and basic medications. The Palestinian Red Crescent received her at the Kerem Shalom border crossing.
More than 38,000 Palestinians have died in the offensiveaccording to the Gaza Ministry of Health, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its balance sheet.
