The situation in Gaza is continuously worsening, and now a major threat is looming over people’s health. Health officials have warned that the rapidly increasing number of rats in the area could spread several dangerous diseases.
Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan said that the piles of debris and dirty waste accumulated in many places are a major reason for the increase in rats. In such an environment, diseases can spread easily.
According to the Health Ministry, diseases from rats can spread in several ways — such as through their bites, contact with their urine or droppings, or through insects like fleas and ticks. The diseases identified as risks include hantavirus, plague, leptospirosis (rat fever), salmonella, and tularemia. All of these diseases can be serious.
The minister has appealed to the World Health Organization and other international organizations for immediate assistance. He said that the necessary supplies and measures to control the rat population should be provided as soon as possible. He also stated that more than one million people in Gaza are living in extremely poor conditions—many are in tents or lack proper shelter. This has further increased their risk of exposure to diseases.
The situation of children is even more alarming. Many children have been permanently disabled due to the attacks, such as losing their limbs or suffering damage to their senses. In addition, malnutrition is also a major problem, which is weakening people’s ability to fight diseases and increasing the risk of death.
The Health Minister warned that if immediate action is not taken, the situation could become extremely dangerous, especially for children and infants. Therefore, urgent international assistance and better arrangements are needed.