As summer approaches, skin diseases spread through Gaza's refugee camps

"The United Nations has warned that a new public health crisis is emerging in Gaza, as skin diseases spread in crowded camps throughout the enclave, with fears that the situation could soon worsen during the summer."

"The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has said the number of skin infections has tripled in recent months, with rising temperatures, overcrowding and worsening sanitation creating a breeding ground for scabies, chickenpox and other diseases, particularly among children."

"With few medical supplies available, Palestinians, like al-Najjar, are having to resort to homemade remedies to treat their loved ones, while health officials' efforts to halt the spread of the diseases are being severely constrained by the Israeli blockade."

"UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the situation in displacement sites continues to deteriorate. Teams on the ground say that pests and skin infections among people in Gaza are still on the rise."

Skin diseases are becoming a significant public health crisis in Gaza, with infections tripling in recent months. Rising temperatures, overcrowding, and poor sanitation are contributing factors. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has expressed concern over the potential worsening of the situation as summer approaches. In 2024, a similar crisis affected 150,000 people due to medical supply shortages caused by ongoing conflict. Displaced individuals are resorting to homemade remedies due to limited medical resources, while health officials struggle to manage the outbreak amid a blockade.

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