The Palestinian NGO Network in the Gaza Strip warned of the deteriorating health and environmental situation in the Strip due to the accumulation of waste, sewage, and rubble, coinciding with rising temperatures, which directly threatens the lives of Palestinians.
The head of the network, Amjad al-Shawa, explained in statements carried by Palestinian media outlets that the crisis is linked to the near-total collapse of basic services, particularly water and sanitation, and the scarcity of resources needed for cleaning and disinfection. This increases the likelihood of disease outbreaks and epidemics in areas densely populated with displaced people, the wounded, and the sick.
Al-Shawa added that the accumulation of waste and the spread of sewage around residential areas and shelters for displaced people are creating uninhabitable environments, conducive to the proliferation of insects and pests, and threatening the public health of hundreds of thousands of residents.
He warned of serious health repercussions for children, the sick, and the displaced, noting that hospitals are operating at extremely limited capacity due to shortages of fuel, electricity, medicine, and staff. This negatively impacts the quality of health services and threatens the lives of thousands of patients who require urgent interventions and specialized treatment unavailable within the Strip. Al-Shawa pointed out that the continued Israeli closure of crossings and prevention of the entry of humanitarian aid, vital supplies, equipment, and spare parts is hindering the ability of local and humanitarian organizations to address the crisis.
He called on the international community and international organizations to intervene urgently to pressure Israel to open the crossings and allow the entry of basic necessities, enabling organizations to fulfill their role and protect the lives, health, and environment of the population.
