A new coronavirus-like virus spreads in Gaza.

A new strain of viruses is spreading among the population in the Gaza Strip, particularly affecting children, with symptoms resembling those that were prevalent during the COVID-19 period. However, it is now more lethal due to malnutrition, famine, and the blockade the region is facing.

Health officials in Gaza reported that these infections are increasing daily, amid a severe weakness in immunity and the inability of hospitals to handle cases presenting these symptoms.

The ongoing Israeli aggression since October 2023 exacerbates the crisis for patients, alongside the absence of essential medicines due to the continued blockade and targeting of the medical sector.

The Director General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Munir al-Bursh, confirmed that the new virus is spreading its symptoms among the most vulnerable groups, primarily children, as hospitals are filled with cases suffering from severe symptoms similar to influenza.

Al-Bursh explained in statements that the weakened immunity resulting from malnutrition and the lack of basic supplies such as fruits and vitamin C has rendered children's bodies unable to resist viruses, leading to an increase in mortality rates among this group.

In the absence of laboratories and necessary tools for testing and diagnosing viruses, the health situation becomes more complicated, making seasonal diseases more lethal, especially with the large population density in displacement areas within the sector.

The Director General of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Ismail al-Thawabteh, stated that thousands of cases have been recorded among children, the elderly, and patients with chronic diseases, with a dangerously increasing number of infections daily.

Al-Thawabteh clarified that the hospitals that are still operational and have not been destroyed by Israeli bombardment are experiencing a catastrophic situation, suffering from severe shortages of medical staff and supplies.

Regarding healthcare teams, al-Thawabteh confirmed that they are dealing with this wave of illness under severely deteriorating conditions, with a critical shortage of these staff and essential supplies.

Al-Thawabteh pointed out that the Gaza Strip is completely lacking effective medicines for treating the new strain that is spreading, and if some types are available, they are in limited quantities and do not meet the needs of the increasing number of patients.

Since October 2023, the Israeli occupation army has continued its bombardment across the Gaza Strip, not sparing hospitals and health infrastructure, leading to a near-total collapse of health services.