The international humanitarian organization Oxfam has sounded the alarm over a dramatic rise in waterborne diseases across the Gaza Strip, warning that the region is teetering on the brink of a “deadly catastrophe” if urgent aid is not delivered immediately.

According to data released by the group, cases of acute jaundice have risen by 101%, watery diarrhea by 150%, and bloody diarrhea by a staggering 302% over the past three months. The surge in infections is being directly linked to the ongoing Israeli blockade, which has cut off the entry of essential humanitarian supplies into the besieged enclave.

Oxfam emphasized that these health crises are unfolding amid widespread hunger, severe water shortages, mass displacement, and the near-total collapse of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. With nearly two million people living without access to clean water or functioning medical facilities, the risk of preventable deaths is rapidly increasing.

Since March 2, Israel has enforced a complete blockade on Gaza, leaving aid agencies unable to replenish their dwindling supplies. Relief groups report that their warehouses are now empty, severely hampering efforts to respond to the escalating crisis.

“Gaza’s health emergency is spiraling out of control,” Oxfam stated. “And what we are seeing likely represents only a fraction of the real situation, as countless cases remain unreported and untreated due to the total breakdown of healthcare services.”

The organization is urgently calling for the immediate restoration of humanitarian access to Gaza, warning that failure to act could result in further widespread illness and loss of life.

International observers and rights organizations continue to urge global powers to pressure Israel to lift the blockade and allow lifesaving aid to reach the civilian population. (ILKHA)