Gaza Water and Sanitation Facilities Decimated by Israeli Strikes
GAZA — In the wake of Israel’s military action against Hamas, hundreds of Gaza’s vital water and sanitation facilities have been left in ruins, a recent satellite analysis by BBC Verify has revealed.
The destruction of key supplies depot has further hampered repair efforts, exacerbating an already dire situation in the region.
The lack of access to clean water and the overflow of untreated sewage now pose a grave threat to the health of Gaza’s residents, as highlighted by various aid agencies.
While the Israel Defense Forces claim that Hamas is using civilian infrastructure for terror activities, human rights lawyers argue that Israel is obligated to protect critical infrastructure under the rules of war, unless there is clear evidence of military use.
Clean water has always been a scarce resource in Gaza, with the region heavily relying on boreholes and desalination plants for its water supply.
However, recent analysis indicates that more than half of these essential facilities have been either damaged or completely destroyed since Israel’s retaliatory strikes began following Hamas’ attack on October 7th.
The devastation is particularly evident in the four out of six wastewater treatment plants, crucial for preventing sewage buildup and disease spread, that have been rendered inoperable.
According to a leading aid agency, the shutdown of these plants has been due to a lack of fuel and other essential supplies.
Dr. Natalie Roberts, executive director of Medecins Sans Frontieres UK, warned that the destruction of water and sanitation facilities in Gaza has led to catastrophic health consequences for the population, with soaring rates of diarrheal diseases and hepatitis A.
She emphasized that these diseases can be fatal, particularly for young children and vulnerable individuals.
Moreover, the risk of cholera outbreak looms large in areas like Rafah, where a significant number of Gazans have sought refuge.
Amidst the widespread damage, over 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 more have been damaged, making access to running water highly improbable for many residents.
Utilizing high-resolution satellite imagery, the BBC Verify investigation uncovered that 53% of the water facilities in Gaza have suffered some form of damage since the onset of hostilities.
While the analysis continues, experts have identified the northern region of Gaza and areas around Khan Younis as the most affected by the destruction of water infrastructure.
Compounding the crisis, a critical maintenance warehouse that housed essential supplies for water and sanitation services was targeted in a missile strike, severely limiting repair and maintenance efforts in Gaza.
Despite the challenges, aid agencies and humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to address the urgent water and sanitation needs of the population in Gaza, amidst the ongoing conflict.
**IDF Targeting and Destroying Terror Infrastructures Near Water Facilities**
In a strategic move, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are actively locating and obliterating terror infrastructures that have been discovered in and around vital water facilities. These actions are crucial in maintaining the safety and security of civilians in the region.
Former special adviser on crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, Leila Sadat, emphasized the importance of protecting facilities critical to the survival of civilians unless concrete evidence suggests otherwise. She highlighted the need to assess the legality of war actions by analyzing the overall pattern of these actions, rather than just individual strikes.
Sadat pointed out that the IDF has targeted water pipes, tanks, reservoirs, and other infrastructure, indicating either a reckless approach to civilian objects or intentional destruction. These actions, according to Sadat, cannot simply be dismissed as mistakes.
International criminal and human rights lawyer, Sara Elizabeth Dill, condemned the IDF’s actions as a form of siege warfare and the total destruction of Gaza. She criticized the lack of regard for human life, decency, and international law compliance in the ongoing conflict.
The IDF’s efforts to dismantle terror infrastructures near water facilities are a crucial component of their mission to protect civilians and maintain security in the region. The impact of these actions on the local population and the overall legality of war actions are subjects of ongoing debate and scrutiny.
