The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported that the entire population of the Gaza Strip is consuming water that is not safe for drinking due to restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on the importation of necessary water treatment materials. A statement issued via Telegram highlighted that the shutdown of the area’s main public health laboratory has severely hampered local water quality testing, leaving residents vulnerable to significant health risks.
The ministry further indicated that Israeli restrictions on the entry of chlorine and other water purification agents are severely exacerbating the public health crisis. These actions contravene international laws mandating the provision of humanitarian aid, yet essential supplies vital for the populace’s survival continue to be obstructed.
This past Wednesday, the ministry also alerted to an alarming rise in meningitis and viral hepatitis cases among displaced individuals, directly linked to sewage overflows and a scarcity of potable water. The situation is dire, with accumulated sewage and waste, combined with rising temperatures fostering an environment ripe for vermin and insect proliferation, creating the potential for a severe health crisis.
The ongoing conflict, initiated by Israeli occupation military actions on October 7, has already resulted in catastrophic conditions in Gaza, with over 112,000 casualties, predominantly women and children, and extensive damage to infrastructure. The blockade has led to critical shortages in electricity, water, fuel, food, and medical supplies, with Israeli forces also targeting essential civilian infrastructure such as bakeries, water stations, and shops.
Local authorities have consistently issued warnings about the risk of extensive flooding from untreated sewage due to targeted strikes on sewage facilities by Israeli forces, raising concerns about further environmental and health disasters.
