The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified as widespread infestations of rats, mice, and insects are increasing health risks for millions of displaced people. According to Save the Children, rising temperatures and overcrowded living conditions have turned displacement sites into breeding grounds for pests, putting approximately 1.4 million people at risk, including a large number of children.
Data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicates that the majority of displacement sites are affected by rodents and pests, with many also reporting widespread skin infections, lice, and bedbugs. Children make up nearly half of Gaza’s population, meaning hundreds of thousands are exposed to these unsafe and unsanitary conditions, significantly increasing their vulnerability to infections.
The situation is worsened by the destruction of essential infrastructure, including healthcare, water, and sanitation systems. Accumulated waste, damaged shelters, and lack of proper hygiene facilities have created an environment where diseases such as scabies, pneumonia, and diarrhoea can spread rapidly, particularly among young children and those already weakened by malnutrition.
Families living in these conditions face daily fear and insecurity, with reports of children being bitten by rats and parents unable to protect them adequately. Limited access to basic supplies such as pesticides has made it difficult to control the infestation, forcing people to rely on ineffective and unsafe methods to manage the growing problem.
The ongoing blockade and restrictions on the entry of goods have further limited access to essential items needed to maintain hygiene and sanitation. As a result, the cost of available supplies has increased, making them unaffordable for most families already struggling to survive.
Aid organizations have emphasized the urgent need for improved humanitarian access and restoration of basic services. Efforts are underway to provide psychosocial support, healthcare, and water and sanitation services, but these remain insufficient compared to the scale of the crisis.
Overall, the worsening conditions in Gaza highlight a severe public health emergency, particularly for children. Without immediate intervention to improve sanitation, restore services, and ensure consistent humanitarian access, the risk of widespread disease and long-term health consequences will continue to rise.
