Gaza Faces Health and Environmental Disaster as Water Quality Deteriorates
Gaza health officials have warned of a worsening environmental and public health crisis as deteriorating water quality increases the risk of disease across the territory.
Dr. Muneer Al-Bursh, Director-General of Gaza's Health Ministry, said groundwater salinity has risen to an average of 3,588 milligrams per litre, with some wells reaching 13,000 milligrams per litre due to severe aquifer deterioration and seawater intrusion.
He added that about 19% of municipal wells are contaminated with bacteria, while 40% lack effective chlorination systems or require urgent maintenance. According to the Health Ministry, nearly half of monitored diseases are linked to water and environmental conditions, with waterborne and skin diseases accounting for a significant share of reported illnesses. Health facilities continue to record thousands of new cases each week, alongside an increase in meningitis infections.
