Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, said that the Israeli occupation is involved in the spread of the polio virus, as it prevents the entry of the necessary vaccinations and equipment required to solve the sewage pond crisis.
Abu Safiya explained to Al Jazeera that the occupation also deliberately prevents the entry of potable water and healthy and clean food, which creates a fertile environment for the spread of this virus.
He pointed out that the occupation deprived the children of the Gaza Strip of 4 periodic vaccinations, explaining at the same time that the polio virus infects those under five and its incubation period extends to 35 days.
He referred to the presence of hepatitis virus inside shelters in Gaza, in addition to hundreds of cases of intestinal contamination that are reported around the clock to hospitals and health centers in Gaza.
Abu Safiya stressed that the war on Gaza brought this virus back to the forefront, warning that it poses a threat to the Strip and surrounding countries in light of the medical and humanitarian delegations that come to and leave Gaza, describing the matter as dangerous.
In this context, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital said that the occupation army announced its intention to vaccinate its soldiers in Gaza after the latter became a suitable environment for the spread of the virus, which also affects adults and various segments of society.
He revealed that this virus was almost completely eradicated in 1988, and there was global talk about its complete eradication by 2026, expressing his regret over the return of talk about its spread again.
It is noteworthy that there are 1.7 million Palestinians infected with infectious diseases as a result of displacement in the Strip, and more than 71 thousand cases of viral hepatitis infection, in addition to 3,500 children at risk of death due to immunodeficiency, according to the government media office in Gaza.
In turn, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that 67% of the water and sanitation system in the Gaza Strip was destroyed by the occupation during the current war.