Gaza faces public health crisis from disease-carrying rodents

Gaza City Residents Face Daily Challenges with Rodent Infestation in Unsanitary Camps

A family of four living in a makeshift tent in Gaza City struggles to cope with the presence of rats, which have invaded their shelter. Samah al-Dabla and her children, Mayaseen and Asaad, are among hundreds of thousands of people forced out of their homes by Israeli attacks and evacuation orders.

The family’s situation is dire, with limited access to basic necessities like clean water, power, and internet. The lack of reconstruction efforts has left them without a stable source of income, as Samah’s husband was previously employed as a strawberry farmer. The family’s financial situation has deteriorated significantly since the war began.

Rats have become a significant problem in the camps, with the rodents spreading rapidly due to the unsanitary conditions. The local medical clinic is unable to treat rat-bitten victims, and those affected are often taken to al-Shifa Hospital for treatment. In one incident, Mayaseen was bitten by a large rat that attacked her hand, causing visible bleeding.

Samah believes the rats have become more aggressive due to their presence in the rubble, where they feed on human bodies. She notes that the situation is frightening, with rodents and mice present everywhere. The family’s tent has been overrun with rats, which destroy clothes, personal belongings, and even tents.

The problem is not limited to Samah’s tent, as individual attempts by people around her to clear rubble have led to more rodents spreading into surrounding areas. Neighbors and relatives are also struggling with the infestation, with many complaining about the rats. The issue requires an organized official effort to control the rodents, according to Samah.

As summer approaches, the situation is expected to worsen due to the heat and humidity. The family’s struggle to cope with the rodent infestation highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza City.

Source: Al Jazeera