A Palestinian human rights center stated on Thursday that Israeli occupation forces committed acts of destruction against the environment and livelihoods during the aggression against the Gaza Strip, constituting a crime of genocide in the Strip.
The Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights explained that, on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, which falls today, “the occupation targeted the components of the natural environment – air, water, and soil – simultaneously through bombing, destruction, bulldozing, and pollution, using large quantities of advanced, high-explosive bombs and missiles.”
According to the human rights center, the average per capita water consumption in the Gaza Strip has plummeted to just 3-5 liters per day, while approximately 97% of the water available to the population from the aquifer does not meet World Health Organization standards.
The center also noted that 86% of water and sanitation facilities and infrastructure are either completely or partially out of service.
Israeli forces have completely destroyed 1,545 kilometers of sewage networks and partially damaged 8.6 kilometers, as well as completely destroying 20 water pumps and partially damaging 27 others. This has resulted in sewage overflowing into the streets, public spaces, and the sea.
The crisis is exacerbated by the continued fuel shortages preventing the entry of sufficient fuel needed to operate sewage pumps, treatment plants, and water pumps, coupled with ongoing power cuts. This has created an environment conducive to pests, rodents, and diseases, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment.
