33,000 more patients in Gaza - WHO warns: 'The worst is yet to come'

The World Health Organization reports 33,000 additional respiratory illness cases in Gaza compared to last year, warning of worsening conditions due to flooding and overcrowding. According to the organization, poor living conditions and severe overcrowding are driving the increase in illness, as Gaza's population is pushed into an ever-shrinking area. Pressure has increased following the expansion of IDF control through the advancement of the yellow line. The IDF stated that the purpose of the yellow line is to protect Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers from threats, and that adjustments to its location are made in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and international law. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories reported that over 93,000 tents and more than 8,600 trucks with winter equipment have been brought into Gaza. The WHO expects that cold weather, flooding, overcrowding, and poor ventilation will lead to a further rise in illness. Nearly one million displaced people live in areas prone to flooding, and 400,000 of them are in high-risk locations. The organization calls for allowing laboratory equipment to be brought in to prevent a health disaster.