The United Nations has issued a warning regarding a surge in chickenpox infections among displaced Palestinian children in Gaza. Approximately 9,300 cases have been documented over the last two weeks, with more than half of these reports originating from the densely populated city of Khan Younis. This rise in infectious diseases is attributed to dire living conditions, including severe overcrowding, the accumulation of waste, limited access to clean water, and the widespread collapse of sewage infrastructure within camps for forcibly displaced individuals.
According to a report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), chickenpox has emerged as a significant public health concern. Alongside these cases, the UN noted that acute respiratory and skin diseases remain the most prevalent health issues in the enclave. Last week alone, there were more than 18,000 new reports of chickenpox, external parasite infestations, and cases of the bacterial skin infection impetigo, particularly in the vicinity of Khan Younis.
The health crisis is occurring against the backdrop of a devastated medical system. Israel’s military actions have resulted in the destruction of numerous hospitals and medical facilities, leading to critical shortages of fuel, medicine, and essential supplies. Data from the Gaza Health Ministry indicates that approximately 90 percent of the region's civilian infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.
As of Thursday, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023, at least 73,250 Palestinians have been killed and 173,751 have been injured. Furthermore, the ministry stated that since a ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10, 2025, Israel has continued to violate the terms, resulting in an additional 1,127 deaths and 3,643 injuries.
