Israel’s indiscriminate bombing of Gaza in the past year and the use of banned tactics like white phosphorus bombs have sparked a humanitarian crisis and caused widespread environmental destruction.
Israel’s attacks, which began on Oct. 7 last year, have resulted in the deaths of over 41,800 people, with more than 96,800 injured, and large parts of the Palestinian territory reduced to rubble.
Thousands have been displaced and forced to seek refuge in makeshift shelters provided by humanitarian organizations.
Alongside the humanitarian crisis, the bombings have left a trail of environmental devastation across Gaza.
On the 200th day of attacks, it was reported that Israel had dropped 65,000 tons of bombs on Gaza, nearly three times the amount dropped on Hiroshima during World War II.
A study by Queen Mary University in London revealed that 54% to 66% of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks.
The use of white phosphorus bombs, prohibited in civilian areas under international law, has raised serious concerns. Amnesty International has documented their use in densely populated areas, with long-lasting detrimental effects on the environment.
Water Crisis Escalates
Aside from military targets, Israel’s strikes on critical infrastructure like power and water lines have plunged Gaza into darkness and caused a severe water crisis.
By the end of the conflict’s first eight months, almost 67% of water and sanitation facilities had been destroyed or damaged, according to the U.N. Agency for Palestinian refugees.
Residents are now left with minimal water access, with a 94% decrease compared to pre-conflict levels, forcing them to use contaminated water sources. Israeli blockades and attacks on water distribution infrastructure have worsened the situation.
Impact on Waste and Disease
Damaged waste collection vehicles and restricted access to waste areas by the Israeli army have led to the accumulation of hundreds of thousands of tons of waste in Gaza.
With 85% of the population displaced and 62% of buildings destroyed, solid waste piles have reached around 100,000 tons. The contamination of soil and water has caused diseases to spread, affecting both humans and animals.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported about 1 million infectious disease cases in a population of 2.3 million due to insufficient medical resources.
Carbon Footprint of Destruction
The U.N. predicts it will take years to clear the 23 million tons of debris left by the attacks, with the reconstruction expected to emit millions of tons of carbon dioxide.
Between 156,000 and 200,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, leading to emissions equivalent to those of more than 135 countries combined.