WHO warns of looming health crisis in Gaza as rainy season approaches

The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday that the approaching winter rains threaten to worsen the public health crisis in Gaza, where water quality has deteriorated and diarrhea cases have surged. Testing of about 6,700 water samples in the first eight months of 2026 showed microbiological contamination nearly tripled, from under 6% in January to over 18% in August. Acute diarrhea cases almost doubled since March, from about 27,000 to over 48,000. WHO representative Reinhilde Van de Weerdt said flooding could send sewage and contaminated water into places where people live. She called for unimpeded and expedited entry of humanitarian supplies, including materials for shelter, water, and waste management, and more laboratory supplies. The warning comes amid ongoing conflict and blockade, with much of Gaza destroyed and infrastructure damaged.