Gaza: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned of “severe health consequences” in the Gaza Strip due to the lack of clean water and soap, overcrowded shelters, and soaring temperatures, all amid the ongoing Israeli blockade on the territory.

According to Qatar News Agency, in a post on Platform X, the agency renewed its call for the blockade to be lifted and for humanitarian aid to be allowed in safely and without obstruction, including basic hygiene supplies.

UNRWA noted that children in Gaza are unable to bathe properly because of water shortages and scarcity of soap. It stressed that the summer heat and overcrowding in shelters could lead to serious health risks, given the worsening humanitarian conditions.

Gaza’s healthcare system is on the verge of total collapse, with hospitals and health centers directly targeted, medical supplies blocked from entering, and a fuel crisis threatening to shut down the few remaining functioning facilities. The crossings remained closed since March.