A displaced woman told her UN news Correspondent in Gaza: “In all fields, we suffer bitten insects, especially fleas,” and added that “our children suffer from severe pain due to itching and bite.
“We try to treat it in a simple way, but the correct medications are not available in the medical center.”
While insects found in Gaza are not potentially mortal, the presence of rodents, including rats, can increase the risk of propagation of infectious diseases that the health system in Gaza may not be able to treat.
Inappropriate sanitation
The lack of adequate sanitation, including limited access to clean toilets, general overcrowding while people try to find places to live between Gaza’s debris, and the challenges of eliminating garbage from the streets, have amplified the threat raised by rats.
The UNRWA teams, the UN Agency that supports the people of Gaza, have started cleaning intensive operations, as well as environmental and health awareness campaigns. The number of dermatology consultations in health centers has also increased.
UNRWA workers are actively moving through tents for people displaced in Khan Younis in the southern part of the gaza strip that spray pesticides to counteract the propagation of insects, fleas and rodents.
The garbage not collected in Gaza is rats encouraging.
Unrwa teams have worked in approximately 50 displacement sites in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis.
They have focused on locations where there is overcrowding, elimination of inappropriate waste, the presence of cattle and the lack of hygiene materials.
“Due to the intense heat and sleep in the sand, we were exposed to biting insects, rodents and mosquitoes,” said a resident while watching a Environmental Health officer of Unrwa spraying insecticides around temporary shelters.
A UNRWA Environmental Health Team doctor explains to mothers how to treat insect bites.
Educational sessions
In a nearby store, a group of women met around the awareness instructors of the Agency’s Environmental Health Office for an educational session on how to protect against insects and rodents.
Meetings point to women, girls and adolescents to familiarize them with how to face this health challenge.
Meanwhile, Gaza continues to fight since October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel precipitated the destroying conflict.
No humanitarian help or supplies has entered the Gaza Strip since March 2, 2025, due to the total blockade of Israel.
UNRWA says that vital humanitarian supplies, including food, fuel, medical help and vaccines for children, are almost exhausted.
The agency warned that pesticide stocks are expected to run out in a few days in southern Gaza, while they have already sold out in the central areas and north of the strip.
