The Deputy Head of the Union of Municipalities in the Gaza Strip, Alaa al-Din al-Batta, warned on Tuesday of an imminent health and environmental catastrophe threatening the residents of the Strip due to the scarcity of drinking water and the overflow of sewage, as the Israeli occupation continues to prevent the entry of fuel and spare parts needed to operate generators.
This came during a press conference held by al-Batta, who also serves as the mayor of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, warning of the repercussions of the severe water shortage and the deterioration of basic services.
Al-Batta emphasized that more than two million Palestinians are facing a severe shortage of drinking water and water for domestic use, warning of the risk of “mass thirst” coinciding with rising temperatures and the deterioration of the health system since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip on October 8, 2013. He explained that municipal crews have been continuing their efforts since the beginning of the war to repair water and sewage networks, open roads, and remove waste and rubble, but the lack of equipment, fuel, and spare parts is hindering their ability to continue performing their duties. He pointed out that dozens of generators powering water wells and sewage pumping stations are at risk of shutting down due to a severe fuel shortage.
He explained that municipalities have not received any diesel fuel designated for rubble removal since last March, after previously receiving very limited quantities for use in clearing debris, opening roads, and leveling them with support from international organizations.
Al-Batata criticized what he described as the “foot-dragging” of the international community and international organizations in delivering essential supplies for municipalities. He explained that approximately 700 generators require oil, while the necessary quantities have only been delivered to cover the needs of about 40 generators.
He warned that the shutdown of sewage treatment plants could lead to sewage overflowing into the streets and reaching shelters for displaced people, threatening the spread of diseases and epidemics and exacerbating the already dire health and environmental situation.
Al-Batata called on the international community, the United Nations, and mediators in Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar to exert the necessary pressure to allow the entry of fuel, spare parts, and required equipment, and to open an urgent humanitarian corridor to meet the needs of municipalities and ensure the continuity of vital services.
