WHO äußert Besorgnis über Amputierte und die Verschlechterung der Wasserqualität in Gaza

The World Health Organization has expressed serious concerns over worsening conditions in the Gaza Strip, highlighting both deteriorating water quality and challenges faced by amputees. In a statement released on Tuesday, the WHO’s representative for the occupied Palestinian territories, Reinhilde Van de Weerdt, warned of rising levels of microbial contamination in water supplies and a corresponding surge in acute watery diarrheal cases. The situation, she said, poses a growing public health threat, particularly as winter approaches and temperatures drop. According to data shared by Van de Weerdt, more than 6,700 water samples were tested between January and August of this year. The results showed a sharp rise in microbiological contamination, increasing from less than six percent in early January to over 18 percent by late August. This spike correlates with a doubling of cases of acute watery diarrhea during the same timeframe. She emphasized that the presence of sewage, waste, and contaminated water poses a direct danger to residents, as these contaminants can infiltrate homes and communal areas, spreading waterborne illnesses among vulnerable populations. Van de Weerdt called for improved infrastructure and sustainable solutions to ensure safe drinking water and effective waste management systems. She underscored the need for permanent shelters and reliable access to basic necessities, including clean water and sanitation facilities. These measures, she argued, are crucial to preventing the further escalation of preventable diseases and ensuring community safety amid ongoing humanitarian crises. In addition to the water crisis, the WHO also addressed the dire situation facing individuals who have suffered limb amputations due to the conflict. Over 6,600 people require long-term care for such injuries, yet prosthetic devices have remained inaccessible since May 2024. As of July 2026, only 12 percent of the 4,600 patients who lost limbs since October 2023 had received prosthetics. This shortage severely limits mobility and independence for survivors, exacerbating their physical and psychological distress. The lack of access to medical equipment and rehabilitation services reflects broader systemic failures in providing adequate healthcare support. Van de Weerdt pointed out that the absence of prosthetics not only hampers daily life but also restricts opportunities for employment and social integration. The WHO has urged immediate action to restore supply chains and facilitate the entry of necessary medical supplies into Gaza. The situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with reports indicating that the population faces increasingly severe living conditions. Water shortages, limited electricity, and restricted movement have created a precarious environment where even basic survival becomes challenging. The WHO’s warnings come amid heightened tensions and ongoing military operations, which have intensified the humanitarian emergency. International aid organizations and local NGOs have also voiced alarm over the escalating crisis. Many have called for urgent intervention to address both the water and medical emergencies, emphasizing that the current state of affairs threatens the well-being of millions. Efforts to deliver aid remain hindered by logistical constraints and political barriers, leaving many in desperate need of assistance. As the winter season looms, the urgency of addressing these issues grows. With colder weather likely to worsen existing hardships, there is an increased risk of health complications, especially for those already suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and chronic illnesses. The WHO’s latest findings serve as a stark reminder of the scale of the crisis and the pressing need for coordinated international efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Gazan people.