The geopolitical turmoil has long been centered on the Gaza Strip, where ongoing clashes between Israel and Hamas have significantly exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. According to reports, Israel has been seriously impeding humanitarian relief attempts in recent months, even after a ceasefire was declared.
In 2007, Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip after a conflict with Fatah. This led to increased tensions between Israel and Hamas, resulting in stricter border controls around Gaza. Access to necessities and commercial activity has been severely limited by this blockade. Humanitarian situations were further strained by recent fighting between Israel and Hamas, which claimed a significant number of lives and damaged infrastructure.
Challenging aid operations in Gaza
Strict border control measures in Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt are one of the main ways that aid has been impeded. There have been irregular closures and delays at the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings, which are vital entry gateways for humanitarian aid. Restrictions on aid convoys transporting food, fuel, and medical supplies have resulted in bottlenecks that delay proper distribution.
Hospitals, aid warehouses, and UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) shelters have all been damaged or made deadly, according to reports from some humanitarian organizations. In addition to making it more difficult to distribute help, the loss of vital infrastructure has made the suffering of civilians worse.
This restriction makes it extremely difficult for humanitarian workers to enter Gaza. Many groups have been discouraged from sustaining a consistent presence in the area due to tough visa requirements, lengthy security clearances, and direct threats to aid workers. Aid operations become considerably more challenging to carry out in the absence of sufficient staff on the ground.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), more than 80% of the population directly depends on humanitarian assistance to survive. Many families are dying from starvation and food shortages caused by the blockade and restrictions on assistance deliveries. The staple product has a high cost, due to which a large number of people could not afford it. Gaza’s health care center is under pressure caused by years of isolation and conflict. People cannot get the necessary medication on account of hospital destruction and a shortage of supplies. According to reports, many women are pregnant, others suffering from severe illnesses, and war-wounded civilians.
Poor water and sanitary system in Gaza
Although Gaza has long struggled with water and sanitation, now an emergency has been declared. Its combined water issue merges a lack of wastewater sanitation with a shortage of drinkable water for cooking and personal hygiene. Because of this, more than 108,000 cubic meters of untreated sewage are released into the Mediterranean Sea every day from Gaza, posing serious health risks to Israel, Egypt, and Gaza. Although these issues are not new, the water crisis and health concerns associated with water have been made worse by fast-failing infrastructure, stringent restrictions on the import of building supplies and water pumps, and a reduced and unstable energy supply.
The intra-Palestinian conflict between Hamas and Fatah, as well as three wars between Israel and Hamas since 2009, have made it even more difficult to restore Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure. The public health effects of Gaza’s water problems explain how its energy issues are related to its water difficulties. It is clear that the existing conditions of Gaza’s water supply and sanitation assess the health risks associated with water in Gaza and outline possible regional health hazards for Egypt and Israel.
Role of aid agency in Gaza
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) faces significant challenges that may require structural reforms or additional financial support. As a result, it could benefit from assistance from new donors to continue its mission effectively. The US recently agreed to slash $300 million in support for the agency this year.
The Gaza water, energy, and health catastrophe is mostly a governance failure. Further investment in new power infrastructure, water and wastewater treatment facilities, and increased purchases of electricity or water from outside Gaza could all help to adequately address the main underlying issues in the long run. All of these are possible with current technology, but political factors are preventing them from happening.
According to Palestinian health authorities, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 46,707 individuals. Israel launched the deadly bombardment in revenge for October 7, 2023. Hamas-led offensive on southern Israel, which saw at least 1,139 people killed, according to Israeli figures, and another 250 others taken hostage.