Over 9,000 infectious skin disease cases reported in Gaza in two weeks

GAZA — A health official in the Gaza Strip said approximately 9,300 cases of infectious skin diseases have been detected at 130 health centers over the past two weeks. The cases include chickenpox, scabies and lice, according to the official. Mohammed Abu Afash, director of the Medical Aid unit in northern Gaza, said severe overcrowding in shelters and displacement camps has worsened the situation. He added that intestinal diseases linked to contaminated water and food are also spreading. Abu Afash said Gaza's health system is facing critical shortages of medicine and medical supplies, with drugs for chronic illnesses and dialysis patients unavailable. He warned that declining humanitarian aid is deepening malnutrition and raising disease risks, particularly for children and pregnant women.