Thousands of displaced families in the Gaza Strip face a new threat amid the devastation caused by war: infestations of rats and insects that invade tents, contaminate food, attack children and increase the risk of disease in overcrowded camps.

The proliferation of rodents has intensified in recent weeks due to the collapse of sewage systems, the accumulation of garbage and the destruction of basic infrastructure, according to testimonies from residents.

The United Nations (UN) and humanitarian agencies warned that the collapse of sanitation services and the accumulation of waste are accelerating the spread of pests and increasing the risk of diseases.

The UNRWA agency reported that its teams carry out permanent fumigation and disinfection campaigns in camps and schools converted into temporary shelters.

In addition, the United Nations Development Program announced the start of a comprehensive plan to combat rodents and insects in coordination with local authorities.

According to the UN, pesticides were recently allowed into Gaza and pest control efforts are expected to begin in the areas most affected by the accumulation of garbage and organic waste.

Terror in the camps

Humanitarian agencies maintain that the destruction of homes, sewers and basic infrastructure has worsened health conditions throughout the Palestinian territory.

Meanwhile, Israel says the restrictions on the entry of aid and materials respond to security concerns related to Hamas.

Despite the ceasefire agreed months ago, international organizations continue to report serious shortages of food, medicine and essential services in Gaza, where thousands of families continue to live in makeshift shelters surrounded by rubble and pollution.

In different makeshift camps in Gaza, families claim to live nights of fear as they try to protect their children and the few food supplies they receive as humanitarian aid.

The displaced claim that rats constantly enter the stores, tearing plastic sheets and leaving traces of dirt on food, clothing and blankets. Some residents even report direct attacks on minors while they sleep.

Families survive amid garbage, darkness and fear

Fadi Jundiya, displaced from the east of Gaza City, said that the problem began since the installation of the first camps, but now the situation is out of control.

“Every time we eliminate a rat, more appear,” said the man, who explained that the rodents destroy basic foods such as bread and rice and that improvised traps are no longer enough to contain the plague.

According to Jundiya, many children are afraid to leave stores at night due to constant reports of bites and scratches.

Mohammed Talal, another displaced Palestinian, said his son had to be rushed to a hospital after being attacked by a rat while he was sleeping.

“We don't sleep out of fear,” he said. “I spend the night using the phone light to monitor and protect my children.”

Talal explained that frequent power outages worsen conditions inside the camps, where darkness facilitates the presence of rodents and insects.

Displaced mother Areej Musbeh said her son suffered injuries after a rat entered their tent during the night. The woman said that every morning they find droppings and signs of rodents on her belongings.

“Food is no longer safe and we live in constant fear,” he said.