Ismail Zayda, a resident of Gaza City, described dire living conditions as raw sewage, swarms of flies, and mosquitoes plague the area amidst scorching summer temperatures. Water supplies have been cut off for nine months, exacerbating the crisis in sanitation. Municipal services have faltered, leaving waste piled up in the streets and near homes, attracting insects that residents have never seen before, causing discomfort and health concerns.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, now in its eighth month, has worsened the humanitarian situation. Human rights groups have raised alarms over the appalling living conditions, as Israeli airstrikes have devastated neighborhoods, damaged vital infrastructure, and depleted essential supplies like food, water, and fuel. Despite a US-backed ceasefire plan endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, neither side has agreed to it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on continuing the military campaign until Hamas is eradicated and hostages are released.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported grim conditions in central Gaza’s Deir al Balah, where displaced families endure overcrowded shelters and suffer from various health issues due to poor sanitation and limited access to water. At one displacement site, the water available per person falls far below the minimum requirement for survival, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Residents like Zayda lament the lack of basic services and the proliferation of health hazards. He described how abandoned swimming pools have become breeding grounds for insects, and the streets are inundated with sewage and debris from bombings. With damaged infrastructure and fuel shortages, sewage treatment remains a persistent challenge.
The World Food Programme’s Deputy Executive Director, Carl Skau, highlighted the dire situation during a recent visit, stating that a million people displaced from Rafah now endure harsh conditions along the beach, surrounded by sewage-filled streets. While some progress has been made in sewage management in certain areas, the overall infrastructure damage is extensive, with significant sections of water pipelines destroyed or damaged.
Efforts to repair infrastructure are hindered by the ongoing conflict and limited resources. While some wells have been restored through collaboration between the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the scale of destruction exceeds the capacity of local authorities in Gaza, especially without a ceasefire and sufficient fuel supplies.
