Shortage of baby diapers: Gazans seek alternatives

At present, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains severe. For babies in the Gaza Strip, diapers are one of the urgently needed supplies. The shortage of diapers has forced parents to find alternative products to use.

Due to the ongoing conflict, the Inas family has been displaced and now resides in the southernmost city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. Without diapers, Inas had no choice but to use plastic bags instead, which made the baby cry uncontrollably.

Inas Masri: I have a pair of twins and an older daughter who both need diapers. The price of a pack of diapers on the market is approximately 180 to 190 shekels (approximately 355-375 yuan), how can he afford it? One package is only enough for twins to use for a week. After using it, there's nothing he can do. Clothing, mattresses and other essential items of life are also very scarce, and their lives are very difficult to endure.

Inas Masri: We have completely collapsed, nothing. The cold has devoured us, and we also lack clothing.

Like Inas, there are still many parents in Gaza who are troubled by the inability to buy diapers for their children.

Hani Subu: We are very difficult. We go to the market every day to see if there are any diapers for sale, but we don't. So we can only wrap the child with bed sheets, but after a period of time, the child may develop skin infections and require medication for treatment. But how can we get the medication? Even those who sell diapers are deterred by their financial constraints.

Hani Subu: A piece of diaper now costs 10 shekels (about 20 yuan). Should I buy food or diapers?

A tailor's shop in Rafah is now being converted to manufacturing alternatives to diapers. Due to the shortage of materials, they even used protective products during the COVID-19 epidemic. He hopes that alternatives to diapers can help alleviate the difficulties of some Gaza families.

Tailor shop owner Yasir: There are about 1.5 million displaced people in the city of Rafa. There are no diapers or anything else in the market to meet people's needs. Even if there is, the price is very high, and the products in the market are already in short supply.