The Gaza Strip is facing a dire situation as wastewater pumping stations in one of its main cities have stopped working due to a lack of fuel. The city of Deir Al-Balah, which has been hosting tens of thousands of people displaced by the Israel-Hamas war, is now at risk of a potential health and environmental crisis.
The local authority in Deir Al-Balah issued a statement warning that the halt in the operation of water waste pumping stations could lead to roads being flooded with wastewater and the rapid spread of diseases. With more than 700,000 people potentially affected by this crisis, the situation is alarming.
The ongoing conflict in the region has exacerbated the already challenging conditions in Gaza. Since the war erupted on October 7 following Hamas attacks on Israel, the area has been without electricity supplies. The fuel-powered waste treatment plants play a crucial role in managing wastewater and preventing environmental hazards.
Ismail Sarsour, an official with the city’s emergency committee, highlighted the extent of the problem by mentioning that nineteen pits and two large reservoirs in Deir Al-Balah are currently unusable. These facilities are essential for handling wastewater from over 140 points of shelter where displaced individuals have sought refuge.
Efforts have been made to address the crisis, with the Palestinian Authority’s water department arranging for tens of thousands of liters of fuel to enter Gaza. However, experts have pointed out that the issues run deeper than just fuel shortages. The lack of spare parts to repair damaged infrastructure poses a significant challenge in resolving the water crisis.
In response to the escalating situation, Israel has taken steps to provide assistance by connecting a desalination plant in southern Gaza to its electricity network with the help of UNICEF. While there is hope that this initiative will alleviate some of the pressure, it remains unclear if the plant is operational.
Additionally, the Palestinian Authority has indicated that electricity supplies are expected to resume in central Gaza in the coming days to support public infrastructure. However, confirmation from Israeli authorities regarding this development is still pending.
The toll of the conflict on civilians has been devastating, with thousands of lives lost on both sides. According to figures from Gaza’s health ministry, at least 38,713 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the military offensive began. The war was triggered by Hamas’s attacks on Israel, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
As efforts continue to address the urgent needs in Gaza, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize humanitarian assistance and work towards sustainable solutions to prevent further crises. The international community must also play a role in supporting the region and facilitating efforts to rebuild infrastructure and improve living conditions for the people of Gaza.