From the ruins of Gaza to the envelope communities: an unprecedented rodent infestation | Documentation
Three years of war in Gaza have led to an unprecedented proliferation of rodents infiltrating the envelope communities, damaging agriculture and educational institutions. The Western Negev Cluster of Authorities demands urgent intervention from the Ministries of Health and Education, while half a million shekels allocated for pest control in orchards are insufficient to address the cross-border hazard. A discussion on the matter is expected at the National Emergency Authority.
Three years of war in the Gaza Strip have left infrastructure and sanitation destroyed, leading to an unprecedented proliferation of rodents infiltrating the envelope communities. The rodents damage agricultural crops, reach residential homes, and in some cases educational institutions have been closed. The Western Negev Cluster of Authorities, led by CEO Bella Alexandrov, has appealed to the Ministries of Health and Education demanding urgent intervention, including a public health risk assessment and the formulation of a regional plan. Half a million shekels allocated as a first step for pest control in orchards are insufficient, as the rodents are not confined to agricultural areas. Concurrently, the envelope region is also dealing with packs of stray dogs from the Gaza Strip and marine pollution that has damaged desalination plants. A discussion on the matter is expected at the National Emergency Authority, and the central question is whether the government will formulate a comprehensive regional plan or continue with piecemeal treatment.