The spread of fleas exacerbates the suffering of displaced people in Al Mawasi and threatens a harsh summer health crisis

The suffering of thousands of displaced people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, is worsening with a widespread flea infestation in their tents in the Al-Mawasi area. The lack of insect control campaigns and deteriorating living conditions are exacerbating health risks, particularly for children and the elderly.

Displaced people say that flea bites are robbing them of sleep at night, and they lack pesticides and other preventative measures. Doha Al-Sarsawi, 25, displaced from Gaza City, explains that she is unable to sleep due to constant itching, while her two-year-old child cries incessantly throughout the night. She confirms that individual attempts to use medications or pesticides have been ineffective against the widespread insect infestation in the camp.

Similarly, Saeed Hamad, 60, displaced from Rafah, describes the situation as “unbearable,” noting that his youngest daughter has developed a rash and blisters all over her body. The lack of medication and pesticides is increasing their anxiety, especially with the approach of Ramadan.

Displaced people report that fleas are active at night and hide during the day in the sand and blankets, making them difficult to control. Mahmoud al-Aqqad, 42, says he wakes up at night to find traces of blood on his clothes from bites. He explains that before Ramadan, he sprayed his tent and the sand with an agricultural pesticide, which led to a temporary disappearance of the insects before they returned a few days later. He emphasizes that the high price of pesticides prevents most displaced people from repeating the experience.