SAFA—A young Palestinian man was shocked to discover a snake measuring more than one meter in length inside his tent in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. He managed to confront and kill the snake, eliminating the immediate threat to himself and his displaced family.

The incident underscores the daily dangers facing hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced Palestinians living in overcrowded tent camps across the Mawasi area, where basic necessities and essential services are virtually non-existent.

The risk of snakes, venomous reptiles, and dangerous insects entering tents has increased as soaring temperatures and severe overcrowding create hazardous living conditions.

The crisis is compounded by the collapse of basic infrastructure, the accumulation of waste, and overflowing sewage resulting from the destruction of municipal facilities and public utilities.

The Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, is known for its sandy terrain and proximity to agricultural land, making it a natural habitat for snakes, reptiles, and harmful insects.

These risks are further exacerbated by a critical shortage of anti-venom and essential medicines in hospitals and field clinics across Gaza due to the ongoing blockade and the continued collapse of the healthcare system. As a result, even a single snakebite can become a life-threatening emergency, particularly for displaced children and vulnerable residents living in the camps.