The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached an alarming level due to a critical shortage of essential hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, and detergents. Families are struggling to maintain basic hygiene in overcrowded shelters, which increases the risk of communicable diseases like diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin diseases such as scabies. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable, as they are unable to protect themselves without access to these essential supplies.
Handwashing with soap can reduce diarrheal diseases by 40% and respiratory infections by 20%, yet soap and detergent are now either unavailable or priced beyond what families can afford. A 75g piece of soap costs up to 38 NIS (10 USD), forcing families to choose between essential food or hygiene. Community kitchens and health care facilities lack the minimum cleaning materials, worsening the unsanitary conditions in shelters and clinics.
This is a critical situation that demands immediate action.
The WASH and Health Custers estimate that Gaza needs 5 million bars of soap and half a million bottles of shampoo and detergent each month. We urge our humanitarian and private sector partners to step up and supply these critical items without delay. Every day without these supplies puts more lives at risk.
We call on partners to act now to support hygiene and save lives in Gaza and the region.