WHO regional director states that Gazans are consuming sewage water
Date
6/10/2024 8:47:07 AM
(MENAFN) Hanan Balkhy, the Eastern Mediterranean regional director of the World health Organization (WHO), has sounded the alarm on the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, stating that some residents are resorting to drinking sewage water and consuming animal feed due to severe shortages of essential resources. In an interview with AFP at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Balkhy highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict between Israel and Hamas on the healthcare system not only in Gaza but also in the wider region.
According to Balkhy, the ongoing crisis has left children particularly vulnerable, with many struggling to access adequate food and facing lasting consequences on their health.
She emphasized that the situation inside Gaza is dire, with reports of people resorting to desperate measures to survive, such as consuming animal feed and drinking contaminated water.
The recent escalation of violence, triggered by Hamas's attack on October 7, has resulted in a staggering loss of life and widespread destruction. Both Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives, as well as retaliatory attacks by Hamas, have caused significant casualties, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
The United Nations has long warned of an impending famine in Gaza, with over half of the population facing severe food insecurity. Despite efforts to deliver humanitarian aid, access constraints and the ongoing hostilities have hindered the distribution of assistance, exacerbating the crisis.
The WHO and other humanitarian agencies continue to call for immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure unhindered access to essential resources for the civilian population.
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