WHO Warns Gaza Winter Flooding Threatens Health System

The World Health Organization warned on Friday that winter rain and flooding could worsen respiratory illnesses in Gaza. Its representative, Dr. Reinhilde Van De Weerdt, spoke from Jerusalem to reporters in Geneva and said nearly a million displaced people live in areas exposed to flooding. She put 400,000 people in locations at extremely high risk. WHO said cold conditions, overcrowded shelters and poor ventilation could compound the risk of infection. Floodwater can contaminate water supplies, while damp conditions allow mould and bacteria to spread, contributing to respiratory illness, especially among young children. Van De Weerdt also described difficulties securing laboratory supplies needed to diagnose patients before they receive treatment. Earlier on Friday, the IDF said it and COGAT were coordinating winter assistance with the Board of Peace, UN agencies, international organizations and donor countries. It said more than 93,000 tents and over 8,600 trucks carrying winter supplies had entered since winter preparations began. Thousands of tents and hundreds of trucks arrived during the preceding week, according to the military. The IDF said the response included 16 sewage vacuum trucks, mobile clinics, vaccinations and repairs to drainage, sewage and water infrastructure. It also reported hundreds of trucks of medical equipment and medicines in recent weeks, including dialysis fluids and incubators. The military accused Hamas of exploiting humanitarian infrastructure and incoming aid, including winter supplies, and said the group's refusal to disarm obstructed rehabilitation. It said cooperation with international partners on the winter response would continue.