Yes, there is currently a severe rodent infestation throughout the Gaza Strip, particularly affecting displacement camps and tent settlements. According to recent reports, over 80% of displacement sites surveyed in April 2026 experienced regular infestations of rats and pests.
The infestation has reached crisis levels, with rats and parasites spreading through tent camps, biting children and adults as they sleep, and gnawing through possessions. Health officials have reported that every day hospitals record cases of patients being admitted due to rodent-related incidents, particularly among children, the elderly, and the sick.
The World Health Organization has recorded more than 70,000 cases of ectoparasite infections and rodent-borne illnesses in Gaza since the beginning of 2026. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, four displaced people have died from skin diseases directly linked to rodent infestations.
The crisis stems from the widespread destruction of infrastructure, including water and sewage networks, combined with the accumulation of rubble and waste, which has created favorable conditions for rodents to thrive. Aid efforts have included the transfer of about 90 tons of pest control materials and over 1,000 mousetraps into Gaza, but these measures have proven largely ineffective in the current environment.
The problem has now spread beyond Gaza's borders, with thousands of rats reportedly moving into Israeli settlements surrounding the Strip, causing significant agricultural damage.
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