UN Warns of Escalating Skin Disease Crisis in Gaza's Refugee Camps Amid Blockade
The United Nations has raised alarms over a burgeoning public health crisis in Gaza, where skin diseases are proliferating in overcrowded refugee camps. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reports a tripling of skin infections, including scabies and chickenpox, due to rising temperatures, overcrowding, and poor sanitation. The situation is exacerbated by an ongoing Israeli blockade that restricts the import of essential medical supplies. Despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025, Israeli strikes and the blockade continue to hinder medical efforts. Health workers in Gaza are struggling to manage the crisis with limited resources, resorting to homemade remedies and makeshift treatments.