The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported on its X profile that rats are attacking children while they sleep in tents.

In light of that situation, the UNRWA requested the entry of pesticides and medicines into the coastal enclave, which remains under attack and besieged by Israel, despite the ceasefire in effect since October 10, 2025.

The UN institution emphasized, “In Gaza, the already vulnerable population faces increased risks of disease due to displacement, overcrowding in tents, lack of clean water, and the disruption of environmental health systems.”

Palestinian Health Minister Majid Abu Ramadan denounced in April the proliferation of rodents due to the accumulation of waste, debris, and sewage, which, in turn, triggered epidemics and diseases.

Abu Ramadan stated at the time, “The current environment is a breeding ground for mice and rats, which increases the outbreaks of several serious diseases, either directly through bites and indirectly through urine and feces or via parasites such as fleas and ticks.”

abo/iff/ft/rob