Abu Salmiya: Gaza's winter portends a health catastrophe
Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of the Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, warned of the repercussions of winter on the Strip's residents amid deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions and ongoing Israeli shelling, noting that hundreds of thousands of displaced people lack the means to protect themselves from the cold.
Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of the Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, warned of the repercussions of winter on the Strip's residents amid deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions and ongoing Israeli shelling and targeting. He noted that hundreds of thousands of displaced people lack the means to protect themselves from the cold, living in tattered tents lacking heating, cooking gas, and potable water. Abu Salmiya said the complex had received large numbers of martyrs and wounded over the past 48 hours, most in critical condition with severe injuries and amputations. He added that the drop in temperatures coincides with a notable rise in respiratory and lung infections and gastroenteritis, especially among children. He stressed that the health system suffers from a severe shortage of medicines, medical supplies, and intensive care beds due to extensive damage to hospitals. He called on the international community to take urgent action to ensure the entry of medical aid, heating materials, and tents. The warnings come amid ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including shelling and gunfire, and damage to homes and shelters.