Thirst strikes Gaza and sewage overflows

The health catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, created by the ongoing war of extermination that began on October 7, 2023, is worsening. This is due to the continued water shortages, the damage to the sewage system, and the resulting flooding in densely populated displacement areas. Local authorities have resorted to pumping large quantities of untreated wastewater into the sea, exacerbating the spread of diseases, particularly skin and infectious diseases, among more than two million residents living in cramped conditions and unprecedentedly dire humanitarian circumstances.

In this context, a report issued by Al Mezan Center for Human Rights addressed this catastrophic crisis that threatens the lives of the population. The report strongly condemned the continuation of the war of extermination against civilians in the Gaza Strip for the third consecutive year, the ongoing policy of starvation, and the prevention of humanitarian aid, fuel, and medical supplies from reaching the Gaza Strip. This occurs amidst the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian and health situation and the escalating collapse of infrastructure, especially the sewage system. This threatens to deepen the humanitarian and health catastrophe to an unprecedented degree, increases the risk of the spread of epidemics and diseases, and directly threatens the lives of the population.

The report addresses the difficult conditions in the Gaza Strip, with the continuation of the bombing and the rising number of martyrs, in light of the collapse of the health system, which is facing increasing pressure amid a decline in its ability to respond to the escalating humanitarian and health needs. It said that this came amid a warning issued by the Gaza Municipality, which warns of the catastrophic repercussions resulting from the accelerating collapse of the sewage system in the city, stressing that the continued deterioration of this system threatens to turn the city and its