Polio virus found in wastewater in Gaza Strip, local authorities say

The poliovirus, which causes polio, has appeared in the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by Israel’s war with the terrorist group Hamas, which is now in its tenth month. The Guardian quoted Gaza authorities as saying that thousands of Palestinians are at risk of infection in overcrowded refugee camps, where there is not enough clean water and sewage does not work.

The polio virus was found in sewage samples tested by Gaza authorities in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The World Health Organization (WHO) has reached the same conclusion, The Guardian reported.

“Due to the destruction of infrastructure, sewage between the tents of displaced people contains polio virus, which means a new health disaster,” Gaza authorities said.

Overcrowded campsite

Authorities warn that tens of thousands of Palestinians live in overcrowded tent camps or in the ruins of homes destroyed by massive Israeli bombings, without enough food or clean water. Garbage has been piling up in the streets for months without anyone taking it away. Hospitals do not have medicine or enough medical supplies.

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis of the limbs. In most parts of the world, it has been eradicated through vaccination. However, in recent years, it has reappeared in some African countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.

Israel suspends water supply

The international charity Oxfam published a report on Wednesday saying that Israel is systematically cutting off water to the people of Gaza and destroying water sources and sewage treatment plants. According to her, since October, Israel has destroyed 70% of the sludge pumps and all sewage treatment plants in the Gaza Strip.

According to Oxfam, a lack of clean water and a non-functioning sewage system in the Gaza Strip has left more than a quarter of the population suffering from diseases such as acute diarrhea and hepatitis A.

Children die from malnutrition

At least 34 children had died in the Gaza Strip from malnutrition and dehydration as of mid-June, according to Hamas-controlled Gaza authorities. The war has killed more than 38,800 Palestinians and injured another 89,400, according to local authorities.

The figures do not distinguish between civilians and militants and cannot be independently verified. However, some experts believe that they are more or less in line with reality, and that thousands of dead still lie in the rubble of homes destroyed by massive bombing.

The Gaza War began on October 7 last year when Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel. Palestinian militants killed 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians, and took about 250 people hostage in Gaza. About half of them were released during the one-week truce at the end of November. More than 320 Israeli soldiers also died in the war.