Sharp increase in COVID-19 infections in Gaza

The Gaza Strip has logged more than 15,000 COVID-19 infections and over 65 deaths, mostly since late August.  

Since the weekend, around three thousand infections were detected in the impoverished enclave.  Hospitals in Gaza currently have less than one hundred ICU beds and ventilators for nearly two million inhabitants. Eighty percent of ventilators for Coronavirus patients have already been taken up.

The World Health Organization cautioned that within a week, the health system in Gaza may become unable to care for critical cases.  Despite the increasing number of Coronavirus infections the Israeli regime continues to place tight restrictions on the entry of humanitarian supplies including medical equipment.

Local authorities have been desperately fighting to prevent the devastating outbreak of COVID-19.  According to Palestinian officials the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza is one of the main reasons why tackling the deadly pandemic is particularly difficult.

Rights groups warn that Gaza is facing a catastrophic situation under the watchful eye of the international community.  Experts say Israel’s illegal practices have compounded the risk of coronavirus infection for nearly two million Palestinians making it extremely difficult to combat the pandemic.