Key facts
- Israeli attacks in Gaza over the past day have killed at least five Palestinians, including two children.
- Intense air strikes and gunfire were reported west of Gaza City and in Deir el-Balah.
- Aid groups and the WHO warn of a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by water contamination and disease.
- Nearly 90 percent of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged.
- Microbiological contamination in water samples has significantly increased.
Israeli attacks on Gaza have intensified over the past day, with the Palestinian health ministry reporting at least five Palestinians killed, including two children. Air strikes and gunfire were concentrated west of Gaza City and in Deir el-Balah, with one journalist describing chaotic scenes and drones firing explosives.
Aid groups and the World Health Organization (WHO) are warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis. The WHO representative in the Palestinian territories, Reinhilde Van de Weerdt, noted a significant deterioration in water quality and a surge in diarrhea cases. Data from the UN, EU, and World Bank indicates that nearly 90 percent of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Microbiological contamination in tested water samples has nearly tripled since January.
Palestinian journalist Abdulrahman Ismail reported that attacks targeted an area near a field hospital and thousands of tents sheltering displaced Palestinians, with drones reportedly opening fire on anyone moving. Mai Elawawda of Medical Aid for Palestine stated that Israeli military attacks have been relentless throughout the week.
More than 73,400 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Aid organizations are concerned that the onset of the rainy season will further strain resources, as many displaced individuals live in overcrowded tent camps amidst rubble and overflowing sewage.