They survived the bombs, but not the virus: Fatal illness spreads in Gaza
They survived the bombs, but not the virus: Fatal illness spreads in Gaza
Mariam, an eight-year-old girl, was admitted to Rantisi Hospital in January with symptoms resembling the flu. Her mother, Marwa Kalloub, 38, never expected her to leave the facility lifeless. Despite her child’s strong constitution and basic medical treatment, the illness proved deadly.
Gaza’s prolonged conflict has left its population weakened, with health systems in disarray. A mutated strain of the virus is now spreading swiftly through communities already strained by years of hardship. Health officials have yet to confirm the exact nature of the disease, citing limited diagnostic tools and shortages of critical supplies.
“Mariam had no prior health problems,” her aunt Iman Kalloub recalled to Middle East Eye. “Before she died, she suffered from severe coughing, nausea, and a high fever. She stopped eating altogether.”
The family had initially welcomed the October ceasefire, which allowed them to rebuild and resume normal life. Mariam returned to school, a small victory amid ongoing challenges. However, the virus soon struck, claiming her life. “Two years of war didn’t kill her. A small virus did,” Kalloub said, reflecting on the tragedy.
The Crisis in Gaza’s Health System
Medical facilities in Gaza are operating under extreme pressure. Rantisi Hospital, once a hub for treating pediatric kidney disease and cancer, now focuses on respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Israeli airstrikes have damaged infrastructure, forcing a shift in priorities. Despite efforts to restore services, the hospital remains overcrowded and under-resourced.
Doctors describe the situation as dire. “Emergency admissions have risen by around 200 percent,” said Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa Medical Complex. “Most patients are dealing with respiratory infections, high fever, severe weight loss, and joint pain.” He noted that many families are now advised to keep children indoors to reduce exposure.
A Surge in Emergency Cases
Severe pneumonia cases have overwhelmed hospitals, pushing some into intensive care. Reports of deaths continue to rise, with the virus targeting the most vulnerable. “Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are at highest risk,” Abu Salmiya explained. “Famine and malnutrition have weakened immune systems, causing complications and fatalities.”
A November 2025 report by the World Health Organization-led Health Cluster revealed alarming shortages. It found that 55 percent of essential medications were unavailable, while 71 percent of basic medical supplies were out of stock. “Bed occupancy has reached 150 to 200 percent due to the patient surge,” Abu Salmiya stated.
Despite the ceasefire on 10 October, UN agencies reported that 77 percent of Gaza’s population still faces acute food insecurity. This leaves many susceptible to illness, as the health system continues to struggle under siege. “The Israeli blockade has created an unprecedented humanitarian and health crisis,” Abu Salmiya said, underscoring the region’s vulnerability.
