Gaza faces chickenpox outbreak as humanitarian crisis deepens nine months into ceasefire

Health authorities in Gaza have reported a significant outbreak of chickenpox, with officials claiming that over 9,300 people have contracted the virus in just two weeks. The outbreak comes as the territory continues to grapple with severe shortages of electricity, clean water and fuel, nine months after the latest ceasefire agreement took effect.
The combination of poor sanitation conditions, overcrowding in displacement camps and weakened immune systems due to malnutrition has created ideal conditions for the rapid spread of infectious diseases across the densely populated enclave. Medical infrastructure remains severely strained following months of conflict.
Beyond the chickenpox outbreak, Gaza’s health system is struggling to maintain even basic services. Officials report that cancer treatment protocols have been completely suspended, leaving patients unable to receive ongoing care. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated sharply, with displaced populations living in camps lacking access to essential utilities.
The outbreak highlights the fragile public health situation in Gaza, where crowded conditions in temporary shelters and limited access to hygiene supplies have made disease prevention nearly impossible. International health organisations have warned that further outbreaks of preventable diseases are likely without significant improvements to living conditions and sanitation infrastructure.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.