UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) announced that Israel has rejected the import of essential equipment for repairing a drainage system in Gaza and warned of the risk of flooding and disease for nearby residents.
Water facility situation in Gaza
Local officials reported that Israel has destroyed water infrastructure and equipment used for pumping water during its war with Hamas. This war has displaced more than two million residents of Gaza and caused widespread devastation in the region. Currently, most of the population lives in temporary camps.
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One of the damaged facilities is the Sheikh Radwan storm drainage in Gaza City, which is at risk of overflow and contamination with sewage due to heavy rains.
UNICEF's response and concerns
James Elder, UNICEF spokesperson, said at a press conference in Geneva that the agency has been working for a year with Israeli officials and the peace team of former U.S. President Donald Trump on a three million dollar plan to repair these facilities. However, in recent days, the COGAT (Israeli military organization responsible for humanitarian affairs in Gaza) has rejected the project.
Elder mentioned, "Toxic sewage could flow into the streets and tents of Gaza City, forcing families and children to leave their temporary homes and significantly increasing the threat of diseases. We are somewhat surprised."
He also referred to security reasons that seem to relate to Israel's strict regulations regarding the entry of goods that may be used for military or non-military purposes.
This week, heavy rains temporarily flooded tens of thousands of Palestinian refugee tents across the Gaza Strip. In one incident, four people, including three young children, lost their lives, highlighting the dangers ahead as the winter rainy season approaches.
World Health Organization spokesperson, Christian Lindmeier, also mentioned the risks of communicable diseases in Gaza due to flooding, poor sanitation, and inadequate health and water services, stating that nearly one million refugees in Gaza are now facing a moderate to high flood risk.
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