Disease spreading rapidly in Gaza's south, doctors warn

Khan Younis has become the main target of Israeli operations in the days since hostilities restarted following the ceasefire

- ΤΟΜ ΒΕΝΝΕΤΤ

Doctors in southern Gaza have warned that infectious diseases are spreading rapidly through the territory, due to overcrowding caused by the mass evacuation of civilians as Israel's military campaign moves south. Asem Mohammed, a volunteer doctor at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, told The Independent the area surrounding the hospital was "full of infectious diseases and epidemiological issues", including "fungal infections", "dermatological infections" and "pneumonia".

Khan Younis has become the main target of Israeli military operations in the three days since hostilities restarted, after the end of the week-long truce that saw over 100 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners released.

Last night there were reports of Israeli tanks near the city, confirming Tel Aviv's intentions to move the ground war south. James Elder, from the children's agency Unicef, described Nasser Medical Hospital in Khan Younis as a "warzone".

Yousef Adnan, a volunteer doctor at Nasser Hospital, told The Independent. "The situation right now inside the hospital is catastrophic. We are treating thousands of cases of diarrhoea due to the lack of access to clean water."