GAZA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) warned Thursday of an outbreak of cholera in the Gaza Strip in light of the lack of clean water and high temperatures.
The UNRWA said in a statement on social media platform X that with limited access to clean water in the Gaza Strip and the continued intense summer heat, the risk of disease outbreaks and dehydration increases.
It added that there is "real concern about the potential spread of cholera, which could exacerbate inhumane living conditions."
The UN agency stressed the need of the people in the coastal enclave, which is home to more than two million people, for a ceasefire immediately.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through food and water contaminated with cholera bacterium, usually from improper disposal of waste matter.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has been waging a large-scale war against Hamas in Gaza which has led to the death of more than 36,000 people and significant destruction of homes and infrastructure. ■
