GENEVA, July 25, 2025 (WAFA) – The international relief organization Oxfam has reported a steep and alarming rise in waterborne diseases across the Gaza Strip, warning that the worsening health conditions could develop into a deadly catastrophe without urgent intervention.

The organization attributes the spike in disease to the continued Israeli blockade, which has severely restricted the flow of humanitarian aid into the territory. Over the past three months, infections from acute jaundice, watery diarrhea, and bloody diarrhea have increased by 101%, 150%, and 302%, respectively.

This surge is occurring amid widespread hunger, a lack of clean water, displacement, and a healthcare system on the verge of collapse. These overlapping crises are leaving residents increasingly vulnerable to illnesses that can quickly become fatal.

Since March 2, Israel has enforced a full blockade on Gaza. As a result, aid agencies report that their warehouses are now empty, and they are unable to deliver essential supplies to the population.

Oxfam stated that the recorded data may not fully capture the scale of the crisis. With most of Gaza's nearly two million residents cut off from functioning health services, many cases go unreported and untreated.

The organization warned that, unless access to humanitarian aid is restored immediately, the situation could deteriorate further with devastating consequences.

M.N