Gaza Municipality Union Sounds Alarm Over Massive Waste, Water, and Fuel Crises

Gaza Municipality Union Sounds Alarm Over Massive Waste, Water, and Fuel Crises
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The Union of Gaza Strip Municipalities has issued a dire warning about the accumulating 700,000 tons of garbage in informal dumps across Gaza, citing severe fuel shortages and destroyed equipment that have crippled basic municipal services.

Alaa al-Batta, deputy head of the Union, told Anadolu Agency that municipal infrastructure has been heavily damaged by the war, leaving local governments unable to manage waste collection, sanitation, and essential services despite a ceasefire.

He added that the blockade has blocked municipal access to central dumping sites in areas controlled by Israel, exacerbating the crisis. The buildup of trash is reportedly contributing to the spread of rodents, mosquitoes, and groundwater contamination.

The fuel shortage is described as “the most dangerous and urgent crisis,” with municipalities forced to borrow fuel or suspend operations.

Meanwhile, over 700 municipal wells—80–85 percent of the total—have been destroyed, and sewage networks stretching some 2 million meters were also reportedly damaged.

According to Human Rights Watch, critical water infrastructure was deliberately targeted during Israeli strikes, and delays in repairing damaged systems have worsened the humanitarian crisis.

Al-Batta also raised concerns about municipal workers’ safety: over 200 workers were reportedly killed during the war, and many others continue to work without pay.

Environmental and human rights groups like Al Mezan have echoed the warning, saying the waste is mixing with hazardous materials, contaminating soil and water, and posing a grave threat to public health.

Amid these challenges, Oxfam and other aid agencies are calling for urgent fuel delivery and long-term support to rebuild Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure, warning that failing to act now could lead to widespread disease.