Health authorities in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip say two women have died from pandemic influenza A (H1N1). Both women were also suffering from other medical conditions.

They are the first deaths from pandemic influenza in the Gaza Strip. Officials refused to release any other details but did say that three other people who were confirmed as having contracted A (H1N1) are improving.
 

The five cases reported on Sunday are the first pandemic influenza cases in the Gaza Strip. The report has worried many in the territory, which is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. After Hamas won elections in 2007, Egypt and Israel imposed a blockade on the Strip and only allow essential humanitarian aid into the Islamist-run territory. The health authorities in the West Bank have reported 1,250 cases of pandemic influenza with nine deaths.
 

In Israel, 8,539 cases of pandemic influenza have been confirmed and 67 people have died. The Pakistani authorities have reported in the first official death caused by the A (H1N1) virus. Since the outbreak began in April, pandemic influenza has been confirmed in 207 countries. The World Health Organisation says the virus has killed at least 8,768 people.