A senior health official in Gaza has warned that a dangerous respiratory virus is spreading rapidly across the enclave, claiming lives and pushing an already devastated healthcare system to the brink of collapse.
Mohammed Abu Salmiya, medical director of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, said hospitals are registering deaths linked to the outbreak, particularly among children, elderly people and patients with chronic illnesses.
“We are facing an unprecedented health catastrophe,” Abu Salmiya said, adding that the situation is deteriorating faster than anything previously witnessed.
Severe symptoms and rising deaths
According to Abu Salmiya, the virus — believed to be related to influenza or coronavirus — is spreading across all age groups. He said severe malnutrition, prolonged psychological trauma and a near-total lack of vaccinations have accelerated its spread.
Patients are reportedly suffering symptoms lasting up to two weeks, including high fever, intense joint and bone pain, persistent headaches and vomiting. In many cases, the illness progresses to acute pneumonia.
“These complications are proving deadly, especially for displaced families living in tents that offer no protection from cold, humidity or overcrowding,” he said.
Health system on the brink
Abu Salmiya described Gaza’s health system as being in its worst condition since the start of the war, warning that the collapse has worsened despite more than 100 days since a ceasefire came into effect.
Hospitals are facing extreme shortages of basic supplies. “We lack sterile gauze and surgical gowns. Antibiotics are critically scarce,” he said, adding that cancer drugs, dialysis treatments and medicines for chronic diseases are completely unavailable.
He also warned of a deepening mental health crisis, noting that psychiatric facilities have been destroyed and medications are largely unavailable, posing risks to both patients and the wider community. Around 70 per cent of medical laboratories in Gaza are no longer functional, he said, leaving doctors unable to conduct even routine tests.
Allegations of aid obstruction
The Al-Shifa director accused Israel of blocking the entry of essential medical supplies and equipment, including items recommended by World Health Organization and UNICEF.
He urged the international community to intervene immediately to ensure the unrestricted entry of life-saving medicines, laboratory materials and medical equipment.
Palestinian health authorities say repeated attacks on hospitals, medical warehouses and healthcare workers, along with restrictions on aid, have crippled Gaza’s healthcare system. Officials also report continued casualties since the ceasefire, amid ongoing hostilities.