A senior health official in Gaza has warned that a dangerous respiratory virus is spreading rapidly across the enclave, claiming lives and pushing an already fragile healthcare system toward collapse.
Mohammed Abu Salmiya, medical director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, told Anadolu that hospitals are recording deaths linked to the outbreak, particularly among children, the elderly, and patients with chronic illnesses. “We are facing an unprecedented health catastrophe,” he said, noting that the situation is worsening at an alarming pace.
The virus, believed to be related to influenza or coronavirus, is affecting all age groups. Its spread is worsened by malnutrition, prolonged psychological trauma, and minimal vaccination coverage. Patients experience severe symptoms lasting up to two weeks, including high fever, joint and bone pain, persistent headaches, vomiting, and, in many cases, acute pneumonia.
Abu Salmiya described Gaza’s healthcare system as being in its worst state since the war began, with hospitals facing extreme shortages of essential supplies. “We lack sterile gauze, antibiotics are critically scarce, and cancer treatments, dialysis supplies, and medications for chronic diseases are unavailable,” he said. Mental health services are also largely non-functional, increasing risks for both patients and the wider community. About 70% of medical laboratories are unable to operate due to equipment and material shortages.
The Al-Shifa director accused Israel of deliberately blocking life-saving medical aid, including WHO- and UNICEF-recommended supplies, while allowing non-essential items into the enclave. He urged the international community to ensure unrestricted access to medicines, laboratory materials, and essential equipment.
Abu Salmiya stressed that urgent needs include antibiotics, cancer treatments, dialysis supplies, medications for chronic and mental illnesses, and basic consumables. “Without these supplies, lives that could be saved are being lost,” he said, warning of a complete humanitarian and medical collapse.
Palestinian authorities report that since the start of the war, hospitals, medical facilities, and healthcare workers have been repeatedly targeted, while restrictions on aid have crippled Gaza’s health system. Despite the Oct. 10 ceasefire, at least 465 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 1,287 injured in Israeli attacks, adding to the more than 71,000 deaths and 171,000 injuries reported since October 2023.
