GAZA, (PIC)
Health and environmental risks are rapidly worsening in Gaza, as thousands of displaced families, whose homes were destroyed in the genocide, are forced to live in tents near garbage dumps, scavenging through waste for materials to survive.
Local authorities responsible for solid waste management have warned of an imminent disaster, as large amounts of garbage pile up in streets, residential areas, and displacement camps, while municipalities struggle to respond due to severe resource shortages.
The crisis has been exacerbated by the inability of municipal crews to access main landfill sites near the eastern border, due to the presence of the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), as well as a critical lack of equipment and fuel. This has significantly limited the collection, transport, and treatment of waste.
Spreading disease and harsh living conditions
The Joint Services Council for Solid Waste Management in central and southern Gaza warned in a recent statement that the continued buildup of waste could trigger widespread disease outbreaks, particularly in overcrowded displacement settings.
Ahmad al-Dureimli, head of public relations at Gaza Municipality, said around 350,000 cubic meters of waste and rubble have accumulated inside Gaza City alone, turning it into a major health hazard.
He added that the destruction of infrastructure has led to a surge in rodents and insects, warning against the use of unregulated pesticides in the absence of proper materials, as unsafe alternatives could pose additional risks to residents.
The areas surrounding dumps are filled with foul odors and smoke from burning waste, along with swarms of insects and rodents, conditions that create fertile ground for the spread of skin and intestinal diseases, especially among children.
The situation is further worsened by thousands of families living in fragile tents made of nylon and fabric, as the blockade continues to prevent the entry of mobile homes and construction materials.
Ata Marouf, a displaced resident from Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, said living near garbage dumps has become unavoidable for many families.
“We collect paper, plastic, and wood scraps to light fires for baking and cooking because there is no gas or fuel,” he said, adding that the lack of job opportunities has forced people to work inside dumps despite the health risks.
He noted that skin diseases and itching are widespread, particularly among children.
The Israel war on Gaza, which began in October 2023, has devastated the enclave’s economy, leaving thousands unemployed. According to the World Bank, unemployment has reached around 80 percent, with most families now dependent on humanitarian aid.
Rising health concerns
In Gaza City, children can be seen searching through piles of garbage for usable items, or even food to ease hunger.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared famine conditions in Gaza City in August 2025, warning that it could spread to other areas such as Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis.
Samir Wadie, a 13-year-old boy, said he often suffers injuries while searching through waste, adding that hunger sometimes forces them to eat what they find.
Entire families now live in tents adjacent to dumps, with almost no access to health or sanitation services.
Shorouq Abdel Aal, a displaced mother, said her children are suffering from illness and fever due to the surrounding environment, adding that insects are “everywhere” and noting that they sometimes cook food brought from the dumps.
“We need a safe place to live,” she said. “Families need a clean environment away from these conditions.”
In earlier warnings, Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said disease outbreaks in Gaza could spread beyond the enclave, particularly given ongoing restrictions on aid entry.
Municipal authorities and civil defense teams have repeatedly warned of the dangers of waste accumulation near displacement areas, but their response efforts remain severely constrained by lack of resources and restricted access to dumping sites.
These developments come despite a ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, as Israeli restrictions on aid entry continue.
The Israeli aggression, which has lasted nearly two years, has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians and injured over 171,000, most of them women and children, while causing widespread destruction to Gaza’s infrastructure.
