UNICEF Warns of Dire Conditions and Collapsing Health System in Gaza

UNICEF Communication Officer Salim Oweis described the situation in Gaza as “dire” following a two-week visit, citing a collapsing health system and widespread rodent infestations. According to Oweis, destroyed sewerage and water systems have left residents struggling with basic hygiene and facing skin rashes and bites.

Gaza’s civil defence service and hospitals reported that Israeli attacks killed at least six people today. This violence occurs despite a months-old ceasefire, with the civil defence agency reporting that an Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza killed four people and wounded several others.

Why is the health system in Gaza collapsing?

The health system is “collapsing under the pressure” of simultaneous war injuries and day-to-day diseases, according to Oweis. He stated that while a few hospitals remain open, not one is fully functioning.

Medical needs are mounting, yet aid is either not being allowed in or is insufficient. Oweis noted that while UNICEF can help evacuate children on medical grounds, some children may die while waiting for transport.

Did You Know? After two and a half years of violence, mountains of rubble and solid waste in residential areas have created what Oweis calls the “perfect environment” for rodents to reproduce and take over the city.

How has infrastructure failure affected daily life?

The water, sanitation, and sewerage systems are either totally destroyed or deployed, according to Oweis. This failure prevents residents from practicing basic hygiene and has led to wastewater issues.

Rodents have entered buildings, tents, and camps because the sewerage system lacks maintenance. Oweis reported seeing people suffering from rodent bites and skin rashes firsthand.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the disconnect between the official ceasefire and the ongoing infrastructure collapse creates a precarious gap in humanitarian stability. The persistence of “unsafe areas” like the yellow line indicates that security concerns may continue to block essential services even if a formal truce exists.

What are the current casualty figures since the ceasefire?

Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10 last year, at least 986 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The United Nations considers these figures reliable.

During the same period, the Israeli army reported five deaths within its ranks. Israel and Hamas continue to trade near-daily accusations of truce violations as progress on a permanent end to the war remains stalled.

What may happen next in the region?

If aid remains restricted or insufficient, the health system is likely to face further degradation. The inability to access services in cut-off areas, such as the yellow line, could lead to increased casualties from treatable diseases.

Continued stalemate in permanent peace negotiations may result in further sporadic violence and continued deterioration of the sanitation infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current state of Gaza’s hospitals?
According to Salim Oweis, only a few hospitals are open and none are fully functioning, as they struggle to treat war injuries alongside general sicknesses and traumas.

Why are rodents becoming a significant threat in Gaza?
The combination of destroyed sewerage systems and mountains of rubble and solid waste has provided an ideal environment for rodents to reproduce and enter residential buildings and camps.

Who is reporting the casualty numbers since October 10?
The figure of 986 Palestinian deaths is provided by Gaza’s health ministry, while the Israeli army reported five deaths among its personnel.

How should the international community address the collapse of basic sanitation in conflict zones?