Gaza: The Government Operations Room for Emergency Interventions in the Gaza Strip reviewed the environmental relief and early recovery plan for the Environment Quality Authority (EQA) in Gaza. This plan forms part of ongoing efforts to address the environmental damage caused by recent aggression, with a focus on rehabilitating resources and safeguarding public health.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Samah Hamad, Chair of the Operations Room, highlighted the critical damage to the environment sector, which is pivotal for the recovery of water, health, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors. Acting EQA Head, Eng. Ahmad Abu Zaher, reported extensive environmental destruction, including the collapse of 80% of water systems and severe aquifer contamination. The destruction of industrial facilities has resulted in significant chemical leakage.
The EQA presentation detailed that debris from ruined buildings surpasses 60 million tons, with hazardous waste and unexploded ordnance posing additional risks. Agricultural damage is extensive, with the majority of crops destroyed and land contaminated. The marine environment suffers from untreated wastewater discharge, reducing fishing areas and affecting ecosystems.
The presentation also highlighted the emergence of informal waste dumps and the destruction of sanitary landfills, exacerbating contamination levels. Greenhouse-gas emissions from military activities present further environmental challenges, threatening ecosystems and public health.
In response, the EQA proposed a phased plan focusing on relief, recovery, and environmental rehabilitation, including restoring capacities, managing waste, and assessing pollution. The plan calls for integrating environmental considerations into broader recovery efforts and urges international support for a comprehensive environmental assessment in Gaza.
The session concluded with an emphasis on the necessity of environmental action for public health and the overall recovery of Gaza, underscoring the environment's role in the survival of affected residents.
