Gaza health system collapses amid disease surge and record abortions

Medical officials in Gaza say the health sector is on the brink of collapse because of an acute shortage of medicines, equipment, spare parts and power, compounded by strict restrictions on imports. Dr. Mohamed Abu Afsh, director of medical relief, reported weekly spikes of around 5,000 skin‑related cases and a rapid spread of chickenpox, with hundreds of infections recorded within 24 hours of the first case. He warned that the virus appears to be affecting previously immunised children and adolescents, suggesting possible genetic changes.

Dr. Bassam Zaqout highlighted a sharp rise in abortions, with 3,958 cases reported in the first half of the year. He linked the increase to deteriorating living conditions in displacement camps—extreme heat, lack of clean water, poor sanitation, rodent and mosquito infestations, and ongoing bombardment—which also fuel outbreaks of respiratory infections, diarrhoea and other communicable diseases. The combined health emergency underscores an urgent need for medical supplies and humanitarian aid.