How the Destruction of Gaza by Israel is Unleashing an Environmental Catastrophe

Some experts say Israel’s actions in Gaza may be classified as war crimes against both its residents and the environment. Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa via ZUMA Press

The recent conflict in Gaza has severely harmed the natural environment. As residents return home now that the fighting has stopped, they are discovering extensive environmental destruction. This raises essential questions about how to rebuild with such damage to the ecosystem.

The war has disrupted water supplies and sewage treatment, leading to untreated waste flooding the land and contaminating the Mediterranean Sea and vital underground water sources. Over two-thirds of Gaza’s farmland, including wells and greenhouses, has suffered destruction from bombings and military operations.

Recent satellite images reveal that around 80% of Gaza’s trees have been lost. Vital areas like wetlands, coastal regions, and even the Wadi Gaza river have been heavily impacted. The UN Environment Programme has warned that the loss of vegetation and crops has damaged the soil. This could lead to long-term desertification in an area known for its rich biodiversity.

According to Saeed Bagheri, a lecturer at the University of Reading, the environment is the “silent victim” of this war. Ahmed Hilles, a leading Palestinian environmental scientist, has called for an international investigation to assess and restore the damage, focusing on reviving water sources, cleaning the soil, and rebuilding agriculture.

Gaza is a narrow strip along the Mediterranean, rich in biodiversity. It hosts over 250 species of birds and numerous mammals, making it a unique ecosystem. Historically, its underground aquifers provided a reliable source of fresh water, critical for both wildlife and agriculture.

However, with a population exceeding 2 million, Gaza is one of the world’s most densely populated areas. This intense population growth has put enormous pressure on its water resources. Even before the war, water extraction rates were unsustainable, and now the situation has worsened, with seawater intrusion making much of the water undrinkable. According to the World Health Organization, 97% of Gaza’s groundwater is now unsuitable for drinking.

The UN estimates that over 40 million tons of rubble, including hazardous materials, have resulted from the conflict.

Water has become increasingly scarce since October 2023. The Palestine Water Authority reported that 85% of water facilities have been damaged. Many residents now depend on potentially contaminated private sources for their water needs. The UN special rapporteur on water rights has called attention to the dire situation, suggesting that limiting access to clean water could be viewed as a weapon in this conflict.

While the Israeli Defense Forces maintain that they adhere to international law, critics argue that their actions have led to significant environmental harm. Efforts to flood tunnels believed to belong to Hamas could also further contaminate the groundwater, raising concerns about long-term water safety.

The destruction has also led to environmental degradation through sewage overflow and inadequate waste management. Up to 3.5 million cubic feet of raw sewage is estimated to spill into the sea daily, threatening marine life and water quality.

In the past, Gaza’s coastline was home to successful sewage treatment plants, but the current crisis has rendered these facilities non-operational. The lack of proper waste management has created makeshift dumps throughout Gaza, leading to serious health and environmental risks.

International lawyers have raised concerns that Israel’s actions may violate the Geneva Convention, which forbids causing long-term damage to the environment during conflict. While Israel asserts its military strategy is necessary, experts argue that the destruction of Gaza’s natural resources is both planned and devastating.

Prior to the war, agriculture thrived in Gaza, with a third of the land cultivated. Recent assessments show that up to two-thirds of the farmland has been severely impacted. Research has found that thousands of farms and greenhouses have been destroyed, sometimes replaced by military installations.

The widespread loss of trees due to bombings and the desperate need for firewood among displaced residents threatens future agricultural prospects and biodiversity. Tree coverage has plummeted, leading to concerns about soil degradation and desertification.

The limited space for nature has made it particularly vulnerable. However, studies suggest that some wildlife populations have shown resilience in recent years, taking advantage of changes in the landscape. The Wadi Gaza, designated as a nature reserve, was previously a haven for migrating birds and other species, but pollution and habitat destruction have compromised its health.

One of the area’s ecological treasures, Al-Mawasi, rich in wildlife and once protected by minimal human interference, has also been devastated during the conflict.

As information about Gaza’s environment mostly comes from satellite data, ground studies remain scarce. The war has disrupted academic and research endeavors, making it challenging to assess the full extent of the ecological damage. Many hope that once stability returns, efforts can focus on restoration and rehabilitation to support both people and the environment in the long term.