By: PENGON (Palestinian Environmental NGOs Network)
Solid waste piling up in Deir Albalah- GazaStrip
The 2023 war in Gaza has led to a severe environmental crisis affecting water resources, agriculture, wastewater, and solid waste management. The destruction of critical infrastructure has resulted in widespread pollution, loss of agricultural productivity, and severe public health risks. The war exacerbated pre-existing environmental issues in Gaza, including water scarcity, poor waste management, and deteriorating agricultural conditions. This report assesses the environmental and health impacts of the war using satellite imagery, field surveys, and local authority consultations.
Introduction
Gaza faces long-standing environmental and socio-economic challenges due to political instability, overpopulation, and resource limitations. The blockade and recurring conflicts have severely impacted its infrastructure, making access to clean water, proper waste disposal, and sustainable agriculture increasingly difficult. The 2023 war has worsened these problems, causing widespread displacement, water contamination, and environmental degradation. The report aims to comprehensively analyze the war's impact on Gaza’s environment and public health.
The report focuses on the environmental damage caused by the war, including the destruction of water infrastructure, agricultural land, wastewater treatment plants, and waste management systems. It examines the long-term consequences of these damages on public health and the broader socio-economic conditions in Gaza. The report also presents mitigation strategies for rebuilding Gaza’s environmental infrastructure.
Contextual Information on Infrastructure, Agriculture, Water, and Waste Management
Infrastructure
Gaza's infrastructure has long been under strain due to military operations and resource restrictions. Even before the war, essential infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and power plants functioned at minimal capacity due to material shortages.
Agriculture
Agriculture played a significant role in Gaza’s economy, with approximately 200,000 dunums of land cultivated. However, water scarcity, land fragmentation, and political restrictions have limited agricultural productivity.
Water Resources
The over-extraction of Gaza’s coastal aquifer has led to declining groundwater levels and increasing salinity. More than 96% of the water supply was already undrinkable before the war, making water security a growing concern.
Solid Waste Management
With Gaza producing approximately 1,700 tons of waste daily, its waste management system was already struggling. The war has further crippled waste disposal services, leading to environmental contamination.
Impact of the War on Water Resources
The war has significantly damaged Gaza’s water infrastructure, further reducing access to clean water. The destruction of desalination plants, water pipelines, and groundwater wells has led to severe contamination of the water supply.
Water Quality and Groundwater Levels
- Over-extraction and pollution have made groundwater increasingly saline.
- 98% of Gaza’s water is now unfit for human consumption.
- Seawater intrusion has worsened, further degrading the quality of available water.
Public Health Risks
- The lack of clean water has led to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
- The inability to properly treat wastewater has resulted in raw sewage being discharged into the sea.
- Poor sanitation conditions have increased the risk of disease among displaced populations.
Impact of the War on Agriculture
The destruction of farmland and irrigation systems has had devastating consequences for food security and economic stability.
Destruction of Agricultural Land
The war has led to significant soil degradation due to bombing and heavy military vehicle activity.
- Approximately 67.6% of cropland has been damaged.
- Thousands of greenhouses have been destroyed.
Water Scarcity for Irrigation
Increased groundwater salinity has made irrigation nearly impossible. The farmers are struggling to access fuel and energy sources to pump water. Also the destruction of water wells and irrigation systems has crippled food production.
Accumulation of Wastewater near the tents in Zawaydeh- Gaza Strip
Soil Contamination and Erosion
The Bombing and heavy machinery have compacted the soil, making it less fertile. The Chemical contamination from explosives has degraded soil quality and the burning of fields has resulted in the loss of organic matter.
Impact on Livestock and Fisheries
- Thousands of livestock have perished due to lack of food and water.
- Poultry farms have been destroyed, affecting food security.
- The contamination of seawater has led to a decline in fish populations, impacting the local fishing industry.
Impact of the War on Wastewater Management
The war has destroyed wastewater treatment facilities, leading to severe environmental pollution.
Damage to Treatment Plants
- Nine wastewater treatment plants have been damaged or destroyed.
- 120,000 cubic meters of untreated sewage is discharged into the sea daily.
- 40 municipal wells have been completely destroyed.
Seawater and Groundwater Contamination
- Wastewater contamination has reached unprecedented levels.
- The Mediterranean Sea is heavily polluted, affecting marine life and human health.
- Groundwater pollution has risen to over 97%, making it unsafe for consumption.
Public Health Consequences
- The spread of diseases like cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis has increased.
- 4,000 displaced people are sharing a single toilet, leading to sanitation crises.
- The collapse of sewage systems has led to untreated waste accumulating in residential areas.
Impact of the War on Solid Waste Management
The destruction of waste management infrastructure has resulted in uncontrolled waste accumulation across Gaza.
Waste Accumulation
- More than 400,000 tons of waste remain uncollected.
- Waste is piling up in refugee camps and urban centers.
- High temperatures are accelerating waste decomposition, producing toxic leachate.
Environmental Contamination
- The leachate from waste dumps is seeping into groundwater.
- Uncontrolled burning of waste is releasing toxic fumes into the air.
- Heavy metals and chemical waste are contaminating agricultural land.
Damage to Cultural Heritage Sites
- Many historical and cultural landmarks have been damaged due to bombings and waste accumulation.
Air Quality and Respiratory Diseases
- The burning of waste and destruction of buildings have led to increased air pollution.
- High levels of dust and toxic gases have resulted in rising cases of respiratory illnesses among the population.
Key Findings
- Water Crisis: 98% of Gaza’s water is undrinkable, with widespread contamination of groundwater and seawater.
- Agricultural Collapse: Over 67% of farmland has been damaged, making food production unsustainable.
- Wastewater Catastrophe: The destruction of treatment plants has led to mass sewage contamination.
- Solid Waste Crisis: Uncontrolled waste accumulation poses severe health and environmental risks.
- Public Health Emergency: The combination of water contamination, poor sanitation, and lack of waste management has created conditions for large-scale disease outbreaks.
- Air Pollution: The burning of waste and destruction of infrastructure have significantly worsened air quality, leading to an increase in respiratory diseases.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The war has left Gaza in an unprecedented environmental and public health crisis. Immediate action is needed to restore essential infrastructure, mitigate environmental damage, and prevent further health hazards.
Short-Term Recommendations
- Provide emergency water supplies and restore damaged pipelines.
- Deploy temporary wastewater treatment solutions.
- Establish waste collection and disposal centers to manage solid waste.
- Provide medical aid to prevent disease outbreaks.
Long-Term Strategies
- Rebuild water and wastewater infrastructure with international support.
- Introduce sustainable agricultural practices to restore food production.
- Invest in renewable energy sources to power essential infrastructure.
- Strengthen environmental regulations and pollution control measures.
This report underscores the urgent need for coordinated local and international efforts to rehabilitate Gaza’s environmental infrastructure and improve public health conditions.
