Gaza situation 'dire' as residents struggle with basics, UNICEF reports

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is "dire," with residents struggling to meet basic daily needs after more than two years of relentless violence, according to UNICEF. Salim Oweis, the organization's Communication Officer, recently returned from a two-week visit to the territory and described firsthand the suffering he witnessed.

Oweis reported seeing people afflicted with skin rashes and bites from rodents, a consequence of the widespread accumulation of garbage and solid waste across residential areas. The destruction or severe damage to the water, sanitation, and sewerage systems has created an environment ripe for rodent reproduction, impacting hygiene and safety for both adults and children. "After two and a half years of violence, there’s mountains of rubble and solid waste spread across residential areas so it's the perfect environment for rodents to re-produce and take over the city," Oweis stated.

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After two and a half years of violence, there’s mountains of rubble and solid waste spread across residential areas so it's the perfect environment for rodents to re-produce and take over the city.

His observations come amid continued violence, with Gaza's civil defense and hospital officials reporting that Israeli attacks killed at least six people on Sunday. An Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza reportedly killed four people and wounded others. These incidents occur despite a months-old ceasefire, with both Israel and Hamas trading accusations of truce violations.

Furthermore, the healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. Oweis noted that only a few hospitals are operational, and none are functioning at full capacity. Those still standing are overwhelmed, treating not only war-related injuries but also daily diseases, sicknesses, and traumas. The lack of adequate aid, either denied entry or insufficient in quantity, exacerbates the crisis, leaving the population in a desperate state.

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The health system is really collapsing under the pressure.