Gaza Respiratory Cases Up 33,000, More Expected

The World Health Organization says acute respiratory infections in Gaza are 33,000 cases higher than at the same time last year and now account for 11% of medical consultations. Heavy rain has flooded tens of thousands of tents, while overcrowding, poor ventilation and cold weather are expected to worsen the outbreak; nearly one million displaced people are in flood-exposed areas, including about 400,000 at extremely high risk. The WHO also warned that flooding can contaminate water and that damp shelters promote mold and bacteria, while it faces difficulty obtaining laboratory supplies needed to diagnose patients. The worsening crowding comes as Israeli forces expand control around the “yellow line”; Israel’s military and COGAT did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while COGAT had previously said it was working with aid groups to improve sanitation. A separate report said a nine-month-old infant died after a dangerous drop in body temperature, underscoring the winter risks facing displaced families.