UNRWA warns rodents, overcrowding in Gaza raise disease risk

The spread of rodents, overcrowded shelters and broken sanitation systems are leaving Gaza's population at much higher risk of disease, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned Thursday. "In Gaza, an already vulnerable population is at much higher risk of disease due to the displacement, overcrowded tents, lack of clean water, and broken sanitation systems," UNRWA said in a statement on X. It said rats bite children in the night in their tents while they sleep.

Health system near collapse

"The current spread of rodents and infections […] is not merely a health issue, but a clear sign of Gaza's vulnerability and near collapse of its health system," said UNRWA Director of Health Dr. Akihiro Seita. The UN agency said it is working closely with the World Health Organization and local partners to monitor the spread of skin infections and other disease risks. "More tents, insecticides, and medications are urgently needed inside Gaza," it added.

Humanitarian crisis

The warning comes amid a worsening humanitarian situation in blockaded Gaza, where shortages of medical supplies and deteriorating living conditions have contributed to disease spread. Despite a ceasefire since last October, Israel has refused to allow agreed quantities of humanitarian supplies into the enclave, where about 2.4 million Palestinians, including 1.5 million displaced, face severe conditions.

Gaza war toll

The Israeli army has killed more than 72,600 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 172,000 in its assault on Gaza since October 2023, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.