Pakistan, Nov. 13 -- Respiratory illnesses are rising sharply in Gaza, with the World Health Organization warning that worsening winter conditions could trigger a larger health crisis. Acute respiratory infections have increased by 33,000 cases compared with the same period last year. WHO representative Dr Reinhilde Van De Weerdt shared the figures on Friday during a briefing in Geneva. She warned that recent heavy rains had already exposed the dangers facing displaced Palestinians.

Poor shelter conditions and severe overcrowding are contributing to the spread of infections across the territory. Gaza's population has been forced into increasingly restricted areas, leaving families with limited space and inadequate protection. The situati...