Gaza health minister warns of disease risk as Israeli siege continues

Gaza’s Health Minister Majid Abu Ramadan has warned of increasing health risks due to worsening environmental conditions that have led to a surge in rodents. He stated that widespread destruction, rubble, and untreated waste are facilitating the rapid spread of rats and mice, which heightens the risk of diseases such as hantavirus, plague, leptospirosis, salmonella, and tularemia. Abu Ramadan urged the World Health Organization and other international bodies to provide pest control materials and enhance prevention measures. He noted that over one million people are living in tents or exposed conditions, increasing their vulnerability, and highlighted the growing risks for children due to rising malnutrition and war-related injuries.