Mumbai, August 14: Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, paediatrician Dr Lobna al-Azaiza has advised girls complaining about lack of combs to cut off their hair due to a lack of personal hygiene products. Azaiza, who previously worked at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia before the war separated the northern Gaza enclave from the south, set up her tent clinic to treat children but now caters to their entire families due to the crisis. This situation is a result of Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the area.

"It's not just combs. Israel's blockade of the territory, ravaged by 10 months of war, means there is little or no shampoo, soap, period products or household cleaning materials," Gaza paediatrician Lobna al-Azaiza told Reuters. As waste collection and sewage treatment collapsed, contagious diseases and scabies or fungal diseases such as skin rashes, skin diseases, etc., spread in the region due to overcrowding and lack of cleanliness. Furthermore, the hygiene condition became worse with the high heat inside the tents and the lack of sufficient water for bathing. Israel-Hamas War: Palestinian Mayor of Gaza’s Nuseirat, Iyad Al-Mughari, Killed in Israeli Attack, Say Sources. 

Lack of Combs and Hygiene Products in Gaza Amidst Israel-Hamas War

The Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023 caused a blockade to Gaza, the hotbed of the Israeli attacks. After Israel seized control of the Rafah Border Crossing from the Egyptian side of the Gaza Strip, all international aid significantly reduced. Access to basic medications has been delayed because of the blockade, creating a surge in prices and making them unaffordable. The cost of a tube of burn ointment soared up to 200 Shekels (USD 53). Israel-Palestine Conflict: Israeli Strike Targets Hamas Military Commander, Kills at Least 90 in Southern Gaza.

Although the medics have adapted to the dire circumstances in the Gaza strip, catering to a large population with limited resources is still a constant struggle. "The border crossing must be opened so that we can bring in medications, as most of the current ones are ineffective: zero effect, there is no effect on the skin diseases that we see, " the doctor urged as Israel denies all responsibilities for the lack of aid.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2024 12:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).