Gaza Strip: In the crowded tent camps of the Gaza Strip, a new threat is spreading quietly through the night. Families already struggling to survive are now facing a growing infestation of rats that are biting children, damaging belongings, and raising fears of disease.
For many displaced people, sleep has become difficult. Parents say they stay awake in turns to watch over their children after reports that rats have bitten young boys and girls on their fingers and feet while they sleep. In camps where tents are packed closely together and basic sanitation is limited, the problem has quickly worsened.
Health workers in Gaza warn that the situation is becoming dangerous. Cases linked to rodent exposure are increasing, with infections and illnesses being reported in medical centres that are already under pressure. Doctors say diseases such as rat bite fever and leptospirosis are a concern, especially for children who are more vulnerable in these harsh conditions.
The rise in rats is closely linked to the collapse of sanitation services across the territory. Garbage is piling up near shelters, and damaged sewage systems have made the environment unsafe. With limited clean water and poor waste management, the camps have become an ideal place for rodents to multiply.
Aid workers say the scale of displacement has made the problem even harder to control. More than two million people are believed to be living in temporary shelters or damaged buildings. Many of these areas lack proper hygiene facilities, increasing the risk of both infestation and disease.
Efforts to control the situation have been limited. Supplies such as pest control materials and disinfectants are scarce, and only small amounts have been allowed into Gaza. Local officials say the available resources are far from enough to deal with the growing crisis.
At the same time, the wider humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Access to clean water remains a major challenge, with many families receiving far less than what is needed for daily use. This shortage has contributed to the spread of other illnesses, including skin infections and stomach related diseases.
The impact is not only physical but also emotional. Families say they feel unsafe even inside their tents. Some have reported losing clothes, food, and other essential items to rats. In one case, a young woman preparing for her wedding found her clothes damaged by rodents, adding to the distress faced by many.
Humanitarian groups warn that without urgent action, the situation could worsen further. They are calling for increased access to aid, including sanitation support, pest control measures, and medical supplies. Without these, the risk of a wider public health crisis remains high.
Despite the challenges, many families continue to show resilience. They clean their surroundings as much as possible and try to protect their children with the limited means they have. But as conditions remain difficult, their ability to cope is being stretched.
The growing rat infestation has become a visible sign of deeper problems in Gaza. It reflects the breakdown of basic services and the harsh reality of life for displaced people. For families living in these camps, the struggle is no longer only about finding food and shelter, but also about staying safe from dangers that come in the dark.