EMHJ Special Issue: Gaza War’s Public Health Crisis Detailed

A newly released special issue of the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (EMHJ) sheds light on the devastating public health implications of the war in Gaza. Published across February and April 2025, the two-part series compiles 38 research papers examining various facets of the crisis. These range from the surge in chronic diseases to the crippling of healthcare systems and escalating food insecurity. The sheer scale of the humanitarian disaster, as documented by these studies, paints a grim picture of a population facing immense suffering.

The scope of the EMHJ issue is comprehensive, dissecting the multifaceted health challenges arising from the conflict. Eleven papers delve into the rise of noncommunicable diseases , heart conditions, diabetes, and cancers are all showing marked increases, likely exacerbated by stress, displacement, and disruptions in medical care. A further eleven explore the war’s impact on Gaza’s already strained health infrastructure, while seven focus on the pervasive trauma inflicted on the population.

The issue also features research on the spread of infectious diseases, increasing food insecurity, and the long-term impact of interrupted education on Gaza’s academic institutions. The findings are sobering, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive intervention.

The journal highlights the disproportionate impact on children. No less than nine papers directly address the health and well-being of young Gazans, detailing the pervasive trauma they have endured. These studies cover everything from physical injuries and rehabilitation needs to mental health struggles, rising rates of cancer and diabetes, kidney failure, and the urgent need for ophthalmic care. As one aid worker, speaking on condition of anonymity, put it: “It happened when no one was watching, but the children are bearing the brunt of this.”

This special issue arrives at a critical juncture. As calls for a lasting ceasefire grow louder, the focus is shifting towards rebuilding Gaza and addressing the long-term needs of its people. But rebuilding infrastructure alone is not enough, says Dr. Lena Hassan, a public health expert at a leading European university: “The psychological and emotional scars will run deep. We need sustained mental health support, especially for children who have witnessed unspeakable horrors. Ignoring this will create a generation profoundly affected by trauma.”

Dilemma Posed: The stark reality presented by the EMHJ issue poses a profound dilemma for the international community. How can the world provide effective and sustained aid to a region shattered by conflict, while navigating complex political realities and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most?

• Key Findings Highlighted in the EMHJ Special Issue:
• Surge in Non-Communicable Diseases: Reports detail increases in diabetes, heart conditions, and cancer rates linked to conflict-related stress and disrupted access to medical care.
• Health System Collapse: Research reveals the severe strain on Gaza’s health infrastructure, hindering the delivery of essential services.
• Widespread Trauma: Studies document the pervasive mental health crisis, especially among children, requiring urgent intervention.
• Food Insecurity: The issue addresses rising hunger and malnutrition due to supply chain disruptions and economic hardship.
• Impact on Children: Multiple papers emphasize the unique vulnerabilities of young Gazans, detailing their physical and psychological suffering.

Competing Perspectives: There are, of course, competing perspectives on how best to address this crisis. Some prioritize immediate humanitarian aid, focusing on providing food, water, and medical supplies. Others emphasize the need for long-term development initiatives, aiming to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure and economy. Still others argue that the only sustainable solution is to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a lasting political settlement.

A social media post on X.com from user @Hope4Gaza reads: “Enough with the bandages! We need a real solution, not just temporary relief. The world has to understand the daily struggle we endure!”

Another comment on Facebook, from a user identifying herself as a nurse working in Gaza, stated, “We are beyond overwhelmed. Supplies are running low, and the needs are immeasurable. How much longer can we sustain this?”

The EMHJ issue also reveals the dificulties faced by academics in Gaza, struggling to maintain research and education in the face of constant instability. The loss of educational opportunities for young people risks creating a lost generation, unprepared to contribute to the region’s future.

Call for Decision: Ultimately, addressing the public health crisis in Gaza requires a concerted effort from the international community. Governments, NGOs, and individuals must work together to provide immediate aid, support long-term development, and advocate for a just and lasting peace. Failing to act decisively will condemn the people of Gaza to continued suffering and undermine any hope for a stable and prosperous future for the region. The research compiled in the EMHJ special issue serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and a call to action for all who care about health and humanity. We are teetering on the precipice of disaster, and the time to act is now. This means not only providing funding but also holding all parties accountable for upholding international law and ensuring that civilians are protected. More over, we need to address the deep-seated trauma that permeates the society.

The report also highlights a less discussed problem in gaza; rising kidney failures amongst children due to contaminated water and lack of medical access. This devestating impact needs more attention.

One mother I spoke to said “My child’s cancer wasn’t caused by the war, but the war took away his treatment. It may as well have been the war.”

This crisis requires coordinated global action, not just for immediate aid, but for long-term, sustainable healing. The future of Gaza hangs in the balance.