A severe shortage of baby nappies in Gaza has left thousands of families struggling to meet the most basic needs of infants, as displaced households and residents living amid damaged neighbourhoods report growing difficulty in accessing essential supplies. What was once a routine household item has become increasingly scarce, forcing parents to ration use or reserve nappies for limited hours of the day.

Prices have surged sharply in local markets, placing the product beyond the reach of many families already facing economic collapse. With the suspension of regular distributions previously provided by humanitarian channels, caregivers are now forced to purchase nappies individually or in small quantities at inflated costs, a burden that many say is simply unsustainable. Some mothers describe using a single nappy for extended periods, a practice that has led to widespread cases of skin irritation and infections among children.

In response to the shortage, families have resorted to makeshift alternatives such as cloth scraps, towels, and other improvised materials. While these options provide temporary relief, they frequently fail to prevent leaks and often cause further health complications, including rashes and painful inflammation. Parents also report that the increased laundry demands created by these substitutes add another layer of hardship, especially given the scarcity of clean water and rising costs of soap and detergent.

Health concerns are mounting as infants remain the most vulnerable to the consequences of these conditions, with medical workers warning of increasing dermatological and hygiene-related issues. The crisis reflects a broader deterioration in living standards across the territory under the pressures of a prolonged genocidal war, where access to even the most basic necessities has become increasingly uncertain.