Gaza civil defense at 25% capacity as rodent outbreak demands 100 tons of pesticide

The Gaza civil defence authority reports that its operational capacity has fallen to only 25% after many fire‑rescue vehicles were destroyed or fell out of service and spare‑part shortages prevent repairs. More than 140 civil‑defence members have been killed, and the agency lacks the equipment needed to reach many homes and displaced‑person camps.

Officials stress an urgent humanitarian and environmental crisis: a surge of rodents and insects is spreading through residential areas and camps. Gaza’s mayor, Yahya al‑Siraj, says roughly 100 tons of pesticide, bait and related supplies are needed immediately, and calls for waste‑removal projects and international aid to provide equipment, spare parts and heavy vehicles promised under the ceasefire agreement.