War-Ravaged Gaza Grapples With Deadly Surge In Antibiotic-Resistant Disease

Last Updated:August 13, 2025, 19:25 IST

Researchers analysed over 1,300 samples collected from al-Ahli hospital, which hosts one of the few remaining functional microbiology laboratories in the territory

A malnourished Palestinian child receives a check-up in al-Mawasi, Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, on August 13. (AFP photo)

The situation in Gaza shows no sign of easing, as the region now faces a growing public health crisis with the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, raising fears of increased deaths from common illnesses.

According to new research published in The Lancet, this is the first study since the conflict began in October 2023 to reveal the widespread presence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria in Gaza, The Guardian reported.

Researchers analysed over 1,300 samples collected from al-Ahli hospital, which hosts one of the few remaining functional microbiology laboratories in the territory. They found that nearly two-thirds of the samples contained bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics.

“This will mean longer and more serious illnesses and a high risk of transmission to others. It means an increased risk of death from really common infections. It means more amputations," said Krystel Moussally, an epidemiology adviser with Médecins Sans Frontières. “It’s a horrible picture."

Experts warn that the spread of drug-resistant disease is worsened by Gaza’s collapsed healthcare system, the lack of clean water and sanitation, and severe shortages of medicine. Hunger and malnutrition among the 2.3 million people living in Gaza have made many more vulnerable to infection.

Co-author Bilal Irfan, a researcher with Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said the findings are “particularly alarming" and stressed that the true scale of the crisis remains unknown due to the destruction of labs and deaths of medical staff.

Gaza has long struggled with antibiotic resistance due to repeated conflicts and an Israeli blockade in place since 2007. However, experts say the current situation is unprecedented.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had urged Israel to allow more medical aid into Gaza. “We want to stock up, and we all hear about more humanitarian supplies are allowed in – well it’s not happening yet, or it’s happening at a way too low a pace," said Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative in the Palestinian territories.

According to the WHO, only 50% of hospitals and 38% of primary healthcare centres in Gaza are partially functioning, with bed occupancy reaching 300% at some facilities.

Israel’s Ministry of Defence said it has sent over 45,000 tonnes of medical supplies to Gaza and helped set up 13 field hospitals. It also stated it will continue to allow medical aid in, while preventing its misuse by Hamas.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian health ministry said 89 people were killed and over 500 injured in Israeli strikes across Gaza in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll since October 2023 to 61,599.

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