The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating further. According to reports from Reuters, Palestinians forced to live in tent camps are facing a new threat: attacks by rats and other rodents.
It is reported that at night, rats are specifically targeting children, biting their hands and feet. This has caused serious concern among parents.
People in desperate conditions
More than 2 million people in Gaza have been forced to leave their homes due to armed conflict. They are currently living in ruined buildings or temporary tents.
Amani Abu Selmi, who lives in a camp in Khan Yunis, said that rats had destroyed her clothes and ceremonial items on the eve of her wedding.
"My happy day turned into sorrow. All my preparations were ruined," she said.
Children are the most affected
According to Khalil al-Mashharawi, a camp resident, a rat bit his 3-year-old child. He added that he himself had also been attacked by rodents.
"We are afraid to sleep at night. As soon as we close our eyes, they attack the children," he said.
Another resident living in Gaza City noted that rats are not only harming people but also destroying food and clothing.
Rising risk of disease
Muhammad Abu Selmiya, head of Al-Shifa Hospital, stated that there is a high risk of disease outbreaks due to the rodents.
In particular, rat bites can lead to serious infections such as:
- fever,
- leptospirosis,
- and even plague.
The problem may escalate
Experts believe that the approaching summer season and the lack of sanitation supplies could further worsen the situation. Due to certain restrictions, the ability to combat pests is also limited.
At the same time, COGAT reported that in recent weeks, a certain amount of pest control products and traps have been allowed into the area.
However, local residents emphasize that these measures are not yet sufficient to fundamentally improve the situation.
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