UNRWA warns of worsening rodent, pest infestation threatening public health in Gaza

GAZA, April 27 (YPA) – UNRWA warned on Monday of a worsening rodent and pest infestation in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the spread has become a direct threat to public health amid rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and living conditions.

In a statement posted on X, the agency said severe overcrowding in shelters, the breakdown of waste collection and management services, and restrictions on the entry of pesticides, equipment, and fuel are intensifying health risks, particularly in displacement areas, where the danger of infectious disease outbreaks continues to rise.

UNRWA added that its environmental health teams remain engaged in daily operations, including cleaning camps, removing waste from streets and shelters, and reducing pollution hazards, despite acute shortages of equipment, essential supplies, and mounting operational costs.

The warning comes as the Gaza Strip faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis driven by the ongoing impact of war and blockade, the collapse of basic services, and continued obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid and relief supplies.

The agency further noted that restrictions on the movement of aid—especially essential humanitarian materials—are complicating emergency response efforts and limiting the capacity of relief organizations to contain the worsening health and environmental emergency.