Infection and Rodent Danger in Gaza Hospitals

In Gaza's health facilities, antibiotic-resistant infections, a lack of clean water, and infestations of rats and weasels in the camps are greatly complicating the treatment process for the injured.

Severely Injured Children in the Quarantine Ward

Available antibiotics are insufficient for six-year-old Raseel's severe leg fractures and infected wounds as she receives treatment in the quarantine ward of Nasser Hospital in Gaza. The young child, who lost family members when their tent was targeted, was evacuated to Egypt after a long wait.

High Antimicrobial Resistance Rates

Dr. Avni al-Jaafarawi from Doctors Without Borders states that antimicrobial resistance rates in the region's hospitals are very high and that drug-resistant bacteria are present in wounds. New studies spanning a decade clearly reveal the existence of widespread bacterial resistance in the region.

Infrastructure Destruction and the Water Crisis

The extensive destruction of water and purification systems, along with reduced access to clean water and sanitation, creates ideal conditions for the spread of dangerous infections. According to United Nations data, ninety percent of the region's infrastructure has been damaged, while a large majority of families lack water security.

Rodent Infestation in Camps

Camp areas hosting displaced families are plagued by rat and weasel infestations, with field research showing that the vast majority of families encounter rodents. It has been reported that some individuals have been bitten while sleeping, leading to severe medical complications.

Evacuations and Those Awaiting Treatment

While Raseel and her father were evacuated to Egypt for treatment in late September with the support of the World Health Organization, thousands of children are waiting for treatment outside Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health.