As the summer months approach, Gaza faces an escalating public health crisis marked by a surge in skin diseases among its vulnerable population. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported a troubling spike in infections attributed to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and a blockade that severely restricts essential medical supplies. With families bracing for potentially catastrophic conditions reminiscent of 2024, the situation demands urgent attention to prevent further health crises amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Gaza City, Palestine – The United Nations has raised alarms about a troubling public health crisis developing in Gaza, where skin diseases are increasingly spreading in densely populated camps across the enclave. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, has confirmed that the incidence of skin infections has tripled in recent months, with rising temperatures, severe overcrowding, and deteriorating sanitation conditions creating fertile ground for illnesses such as scabies and chickenpox, particularly among children.
As summer draws near, families and healthcare officials are keen to avert a repeat of the disastrous health situation that unfolded in 2024, during which at least 150,000 residents suffered from skin diseases largely attributed to a lack of medical supplies intensified by Israel’s ongoing blockade. Although a “ceasefire” has been in effect since October 2025, the persistence of strikes and the continued blockade have exacerbated the scarcity of vital medical equipment essential for addressing health concerns in the enclave.
Fawzi al-Najjar, a displaced Palestinian residing in one of Gaza’s refugee camps, expressed the dire living conditions, stating, “There are a million people crammed on top of each other. And we came here to live on top of a garbage dump. This is a huge problem.” He highlighted the challenges faced by families like his, who are forced to resort to homemade remedies in the absence of conventional medical care, as the blockade hampers public health efforts.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed the deteriorating situation in displacement sites. He reported that skin infections have risen remarkably, affecting nearly 10,000 people, up from 3,000 in January. Dujarric has called for greater access for essential supplies, including anti-lice shampoo, lotions, hygiene products, and other vital items to stave off an even more profound public health emergency and protect civilians.
In southern Gaza, specifically Khan Younis, health workers are undertaking efforts to disinfect thousands of tents to reduce infection rates. However, due to significant shortages in necessary materials and pesticides, many camps might remain untreated. Saeb Lagan, a spokesperson for the Khan Younis municipality, mentioned, “So far, within 26 days, we have sprayed more than 50,000 tents out of a total of 200,000,” but acknowledged the challenges posed by lack of access to required supplies.
The situation is further complicated in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah, where numerous children are afflicted with conditions such as scabies and chickenpox, which thrive in unsanitary, overcrowded environments