Sunday, August 10, 2014

Sharp decline in Gaza water production due to the Israeli aggression

Sharp decline in Gaza water production due to the Israeli aggression




Israel’s offensive on the besieged Gaza Strip has exacerbated a crippling water crisis in the Palestinian enclave. Water production has sharply declined while sewage is overflowing in the streets and the sea.
Gaza Water Authority reported recently that the crisis caused by the Israeli aggression has also deteriorated as the IOF announced 36% of Gaza area a security zone, which caused the people of the Strip to lose half of their water wells that are established in that area.
The report dealt with the initial damages caused by the Israeli hostilities on Gaza's water services and mentioned the displacement of over 600 thousand citizens. The damage in the targeted areas and the regions that have faced massive destruction has not been assessed yet.
The Water Authority also explained that due to the destruction of power lines and power plant, water pumps and sewage plants stopped functioning. About 1.8 million people in Gaza are now without safe drinking water.
Water is becoming contaminated and sewage is overflowing, bringing a serious risk of diseases, Gaza Water Authority warned.
It appealed to the international community to intervene to enable the entry of chlorine to the Strip in order to sterilize the untreated water, and allow entry of fuel in light of the power outages, pointing out that Gaza needs 250 thousand liters a month to run water installations in case of power cuts.
Since the beginning of the aggression, the desalination plant of underground water and the line that supplies the main sea water desalination plant in Deir al-Balah were completely destroyed, in addition to the destruction of four groundwater wells.
The bombing also destroyed five main water tanks in Mantar, Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun Jabaliya, and Khuza'a, in addition to generators of five wells, and main water lines in different regions.
The sewerage system was also a target, with Israeli warplanes targeting sewage treatment stations to the west of Gaza City. The most affected areas are Shati refugee camp, Tal al-Hawa, Sheikh Ejleen and most western districts.
The Water Authority appealed to the international community to put pressure on the Israeli occupation to allow entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza; including water bottles, generators and spare parts for the desalination plants, wastewater pumps, and pipes needed to repair the damage.

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