Gaza is experiencing a rapidly deepening public health crisis as collapsing sanitation systems, extreme overcrowding, and worsening environmental conditions leave civilians increasingly exposed to disease, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
In displacement camps and temporary shelters, families are reporting rising cases of skin infections, lice infestations, dehydration, and heat-related illness as temperatures surge. Aid workers warn that failing waste disposal systems, sewage overflow, and widespread rodent and insect infestations are compounding already severe living conditions.
The IRC says rodent-borne diseases, including hantavirus, present a growing risk, particularly as prevention and surveillance capacities remain limited. The situation has been further exacerbated by shortages of lubricant oil, which has restricted the operation of essential water and sanitation systems, accelerating infrastructure breakdown.
Scott Lea, IRC’s Interim Country Director for the occupied Palestinian territory, said civilians are describing conditions marked by severe overcrowding, lack of hygiene services, and unsafe shelters. He noted that families are struggling to cope with extreme heat, damaged tents, and a lack of shaded communal areas, leaving children particularly vulnerable to dehydration and exhaustion.
Humanitarian workers report that many displacement sites are no longer fit for safe habitation, with shortages of bedding and basic household supplies worsening daily hardship. Increasing economic pressure is also forcing some families into harmful coping strategies, including child labour.
The IRC highlighted that women, children, older people, and persons with disabilities are facing disproportionate risks. Overcrowded sanitation facilities, lack of privacy, and poor accessibility are making daily life especially difficult, while inadequate lighting around shared latrines is raising protection concerns for women and children at night.
The organisation warned that without urgent improvements in water, sanitation, shelter, and humanitarian access, public health conditions will continue to deteriorate. It called for the rapid and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, hygiene kits, fuel, and shelter materials, through all available border crossings.
Amid ongoing conflict and political uncertainty, humanitarian agencies stress that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of dignity, health, and safety for civilians in Gaza.
