The ongoing conflict in Gaza has created an environmental and health crisis that threatens to spread beyond the Strip's borders. After 10 months of war, Gaza's waste management system has collapsed, leading to the accumulation of massive garbage piles that pose serious risks to both Palestinians and Israelis.
According to UNRWA, approximately 330,000 tons of untreated solid waste have accumulated in Gaza since the conflict began—enough to fill over 200 football fields. A report by the Dutch peace organization PAX identified at least 225 large garbage heaps across Gaza, with an estimated 2,000 tons of waste added daily.
The health implications are dire. Prof. Nadav Davidovitch of Ben-Gurion University warns that the situation could lead to widespread disease outbreaks, pointing to a recent polio detection in Gaza's sewage as evidence that these health threats don't respect borders.
Environmental concerns are equally pressing. Experts fear that contaminants from these waste piles could seep into groundwater, potentially affecting drinking water as far north as Ashdod in Israel. The crisis also poses risks to IDF soldiers operating in Gaza and nearby Israeli communities.
In response, Israel has begun vaccinating its troops against polio and is working with international organizations to provide vaccines to Gaza residents. The IDF is also undertaking repairs to sanitation systems in evacuated areas and addressing waste removal issues.
Without a comprehensive solution, the environmental and health consequences of Gaza's waste problem may extend far beyond its borders, affecting both Israelis and Palestinians alike.
The Times of Israel contributed to this article.