The polio virus was detected in wastewater samples in Gaza last week, an alarming yet unsurprising development given the dismantled state of the territory’s health systems after nine relentless months of war.

Across Gaza, more than 39 000 people have been killed, 89 000 wounded, and more than 10 000 are estimated to be missing. Most hospitals are no longer able to function. Already, diarrhoeal diseases, respiratory infections and hepatitis A, among others, are raging through Gaza. Nearly everyone in Gaza is facing acute food insecurity and catastrophic hunger. Thousands of children are malnourished, making them even more susceptible to disease.

About 2.3 million people live in the 365 sq km (141 sq mile) Gaza Strip, which has become even more concentrated amid limited access to clean and safe water, and deteriorating sanitary conditions.