Gaza skin infections triple amid blockade and camp conditions
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 5
Gaza skin infections triple amid blockade and camp conditions
11 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 5
UNRWA says March cases in its displacement sites rose to nearly 10,000 from about 3,000 in January, with Khan Younis workers spraying 50,000 of 200,000 tents.
Scabies, chickenpox and other infections are spreading in overcrowded camps as summer nears, while shortages of medicines, pesticides and hygiene supplies hamper treatment and prevention, especially for children.
The UN warns of a wider public health emergency under Israel's blockade despite a ceasefire since October 2025; about 150,000 people suffered skin conditions in Gaza in 2024.
With a ceasefire in place, why are aid blockades and disease outbreaks in Gaza escalating to unprecedented levels?
After international courts ruled on Gaza, why do targeted killings of journalists and aid workers continue with impunity?
Over One Million Displaced at Risk as Gaza Faces Explosive Surge in Skin Infections and Disease
Overview
In early 2026, Gaza faces a severe health crisis driven by a surge in contagious skin infections among children living in overcrowded displacement camps with poor hygiene. This situation is worsened by the blockade restricting essential medicines, fuel, and humanitarian aid, which paralyzes healthcare and water systems. The destruction of infrastructure from military operations has led to water scarcity and sanitation failures, causing pests to spread infections rapidly. Malnutrition further weakens vulnerable groups, especially children and pregnant women. With summer approaching, rising temperatures will accelerate pest breeding and waste decay, increasing the risk of widespread epidemics. Despite ongoing relief efforts, operational challenges and access restrictions hinder effective response, trapping the population in a worsening cycle of disease and suffering.