The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has taken a devastating toll on the region’s water and sanitation facilities, according to a recent satellite analysis by BBC Verify. The analysis revealed that hundreds of vital facilities have been damaged or destroyed since the military action began.
The destruction of these facilities has led to a severe disruption in repairs, exacerbating the already limited access to clean water in Gaza. Aid agencies have raised concerns about the health risks posed by the lack of clean water and untreated sewage, with rates of diarrheal disease and hepatitis A on the rise.
The satellite analysis found that more than half of Gaza’s water and sanitation facilities have been damaged or destroyed, including crucial wastewater treatment plants. The damage has been widespread, with facilities in northern Gaza and around the southern city of Khan Younis being particularly affected.
Dr. Natalie Roberts, executive director of Medecins Sans Frontieres UK, highlighted the disastrous health consequences of the destruction, noting that the lack of functioning facilities is putting lives at risk. The situation is particularly dire in areas like Rafah, where disease rates are spiking, and there is a risk of cholera outbreak.
The destruction of buildings and infrastructure in Gaza has left many homes without running water, further compounding the crisis. With most Gazans displaced from their homes and living in tented camps, the build-up of sewage in the streets has become a significant threat to public health.
One of the key challenges facing Gaza’s water authority is the damage to a vital maintenance depot, which was struck in a missile attack, severely limiting the authority’s ability to repair and maintain essential facilities. The depot contained crucial items for maintenance and repair, and its destruction has further hampered efforts to restore water and sanitation services.
Human rights lawyers have raised concerns about the legality of targeting critical infrastructure in Gaza, emphasizing the need to protect civilian objects essential for survival. The pattern of attacks on water and sanitation facilities raises questions about the intent behind the destruction and the impact on civilian lives.
As the conflict continues to take a toll on Gaza’s infrastructure and population, the need for urgent humanitarian assistance and protection of critical facilities has become increasingly apparent. The international community must address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work towards a sustainable solution to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for the people of Gaza.