Neglected amidst the fighting with Israel, Gaza's health sector is now pinned with fear over the possibility of a third wave of Covid19. Violence between Israel and Hamas resulted in more than 250 Palestinians getting killed, 1,950 injured, caused serious infrastructure damage, and halted the covid restrictive measures in place.
Health services in Gaza were already deficient even before the recent conflict. Furthermore, Gazans were unable to follow health protocols and preventive measures during the fighting, according to Ashraf Al-Qidra, a ministry spokesman. Reports show that more than 100,000 Palestinians are currently seeking shelter in crowded facilities such as homes and schools run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
"People will not follow any measures at the present time after facing difficult times and dangerous days," said Rami Al-Abadla, director of the ministry's safety and infection control unit, while adding that reimposing strict health measures in Gaza will be difficult. The health ministry had been expecting a fall in the number of cases, but the conflict escalated the covid crisis, which in turn, calls for a possible third wave, Abadla added.
Blockades and restrictions on movement imposed by Israel often caused shortages of medical supply and equipment. Meanwhile, the UNRWA has urged Israel to allow access to Gaza so it can provide essential supplies to aid the distressed.
According to the Worldometer stats, the state of Palestine recorded 308,048 active coronavirus cases, 3,495 related deaths and 300,661 recoveries as of Monday.