Gaza: The spread of rodents, overcrowded shelters, and broken sanitation systems are leaving Gaza's population at a much higher risk of disease, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the situation in Gaza is dire, with the displacement, overcrowded tents, lack of clean water, and broken sanitation systems putting an already vulnerable population at greater risk of disease. UNRWA highlighted these concerns in a statement shared on the US social media platform X, emphasizing the severity of the health risks faced by Gaza's residents.

The agency reported alarming incidents of rats biting children as they sleep in their tents, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Dr. Akihiro Seita, UNRWA's Director of Health, described the situation as a critical health issue, pointing to the spread of rodents and infections as indicative of Gaza's vulnerability and the near collapse of its health system.

UNRWA is actively collaborating with the World Health Organization and local partners to monitor the spread of skin infections and other disease risks within the enclave. The agency has called for immediate assistance, including more tents, insecticides, and medications, to mitigate the health crisis.

The warning comes amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Israel-blockaded Gaza, where shortages of medical supplies and worsening living conditions have exacerbated the spread of diseases. The assault by the Israeli army since October 2023 has resulted in the deaths of over 72,600 people, primarily women and children, and left more than 172,000 injured, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Despite a ceasefire in place since last October, Israel has not permitted the agreed quantities of humanitarian supplies into the enclave. This has left approximately 2.4 million Palestinians, including 1.5 million displaced, facing severe humanitarian conditions.