Palestinian Health Ministry Declares Polio Epidemic in Gaza

The Palestinian Health Ministry has declared a polio epidemic in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s devastating attacks on the Palestinian enclave have destroyed Gaza’s health, water and sewage infrastructure, leading to an outbreak of the viral disease. Gaza health authorities on Monday called on Israel to immediately halt the offensive so that garbage collection services and access to drinking water, personal hygiene and sewage can be restored to combat the spread of polio. Displaced Palestinians who have taken refuge in Khan Younis say the disease is spreading rapidly.

Awan Abu Odeh: “We, as mothers, suffer with our sons and daughters from skin diseases. Our skin has started to show spots, and this happens to both mothers and children, whether they are young or old. Everyone is starting to suffer from this problem. For some time now, we have had no access to cleaning products such as shampoo, soap, sponges and bleach. “We live in tents, on the sand, among insects, without hygiene.”

The independent publication Drop Site News reports that a video posted online by an Israeli soldier shows the Israeli military deliberately destroying a major water treatment plant in the city of Rafah. In 2003, American human rights activist Rachel Corrie dedicated much of the last month of her life to helping protect the water facility, also known as the “Canadian Well.” That same year, Corrie was crushed to death by an Israeli military bulldozer while peacefully trying to prevent the demolition of a home in the Gaza Strip.