Israeli invasion and genocide leads to crisis with Diseases and Contaminated Water for Palestinians in Gaza

The Israeli invasion and ongoing genocide, often described as ethnic cleansing, have plunged Gaza into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Recent reports reveal that the devastation caused by the ruthless invasion has led to widespread disease outbreaks and severe water contamination among the Palestinian population.

According to NBC News, the conflict has resulted in the destruction of most of Gaza’s water treatment infrastructure and wells, leaving residents to cope with the dire consequences of polluted water. This has triggered a surge in waterborne diseases, including widespread cases of hepatitis and various skin infections among the children of Gaza.

Oxfam, an international charity focused on alleviating poverty, estimates that all of Gaza’s water purification plants and 88 percent of its wells have been destroyed or severely damaged in the ongoing conflict. “Israel using water as weapon of war as Gaza supply plummets by 94%, creating deadly health catastrophe,” said Oxfam. The destruction extends to all sewage treatment facilities and 70 percent of sewage pumps, leading to a 94 percent reduction in available water. Residents now have access to less than 5 liters of water per person daily, far below the emergency requirement of 15 liters.

“Israel using water as weapon of war as Gaza supply plummets by 94%, creating deadly health catastrophe” — Oxfam

Despite the escalating health crisis, the Israeli government has yet to address the severe impact of water contamination in Gaza. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli body responsible for coordinating relief efforts, has announced efforts to address the sanitation crisis by forming a team focused on waste removal and securing energy for water desalination plants. Additional measures under consideration include repairing wells and expanding water treatment facilities.

Humanitarian organizations are struggling to repair infrastructure, install sewage tanks, and distribute clean water and chlorine tablets. However, access to Gaza remains highly restricted, forcing residents to rely on untreated seawater polluted with sewage for drinking and bathing, with no access to essential hygiene products.

Contaminated food and water contribute to hepatitis A, a liver disease that can be serious without proper nutrition and sanitation. Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, head of the pediatric department at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, reported a significant outbreak of hepatitis A in Gaza due to the poor state of sanitation, food quality, and water pollution.

United Nations estimates reveal that approximately 40,000 cases of hepatitis A have been recorded in Gaza since the conflict began, compared to just 85 cases from October 2022 to July 2023. The situation also includes over one million new cases of acute respiratory infections, more than half a million cases of severe diarrhea, and over 100,000 cases of jaundice. The World Health Organization has also documented around 65,000 cases of skin rashes and more than 103,000 cases of scabies and lice.

Alaa Al-Batta, mayor of Khan Younis, reported the destruction of at least 30 water wells in southern Gaza last month. He expressed grave concerns that many other wells in evacuation zones may be destroyed, exacerbating the already severe water crisis.

Efforts to restore electricity to a desalination plant in southern Gaza, which could provide clean water to approximately one million people, are underway. In July, the Israeli military announced a plan to connect an electricity line directly from Israel to the desalination plant operated by the UN in Khan Younis. This measure is intended to prevent Hamas from exploiting the new energy supply.

The decision to provide electricity to the Gaza desalination plant was reportedly made at the request of the United States. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved the decision despite significant internal political pressures.

The conflict in Gaza erupted following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. Israel launched a brutal invasion in response to this attack aimed at “eliminating Hamas,” leading to extensive bombing and ground operations since October 27. This campaign has resulted in around 40,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children.