In the aftermath of the devastating war in Gaza, the environment stands as a silent witness to the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe that has engulfed the Strip. The military operations have left a profound impact on various environmental components, leading to a widespread deterioration in the quality of life for local residents.
By all measures, Gaza represents an environmental crisis hotspot, facing multifaceted ecological threats. It is grappling with lethal levels of pollution, an overwhelming accumulation of waste, and a drastic loss of biodiversity—both on land and at sea. Additionally, the intensity of military operations and the detonation of thousands of tons of munitions have contributed to increased emissions and exacerbated climate change.
This article aims to analyze the environmental repercussions of the recent war on Gaza, with a focus on destruction-induced pollution and its impact on public health, natural resources, and the urban environment.
War Debris and Rubble
The war in Gaza has resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure and buildings, leaving behind an immense volume of rubble and debris. The United Nations estimates that more than 50 million tons of debris now cover the strip, with over 107 kilograms of wreckage per square meter. Satellite data further indicates that two-thirds of Gaza’s pre-war buildings—over 170,000 buildings—have been destroyed or leveled, accounting for approximately 69% of the total buildings in the enclave.
This debris poses significant environmental and public health risks, containing hazardous construction waste such as cement, concrete, iron, and bricks, alongside dangerous materials including chemicals, toxic dust, unexploded ordnance, asbestos—a known carcinogen, and industrial and medical waste. Additionally, human remains trapped beneath the rubble, require careful and appropriate handling.
The presence of toxic and carcinogenic substances in the debris presents a severe health hazard for Gaza’s residents. As such, proper management of this waste is critical to mitigating its harmful impact. Safe disposal or recycling methods must be implemented to minimize environmental and public health repercussions—a task that remains a major challenge for debris removal and reconstruction efforts under current conditions.
Destruction of Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
Airstrikes and artillery shelling have inflicted severe damage on vital infrastructure, including water and sanitation facilities. Reports indicate that Israeli forces dropped approximately 100,000 tons of explosives, destroying nearly 88% of Gaza’s infrastructure, including homes, water and sewage networks, and power grids. The initial direct losses from the war exceed $38 billion.
The occupation has also destroyed around 330,000 meters of water pipelines, halted water pumping to Gaza, and later imposed severe restrictions on supply. Most of the water and sanitation infrastructure in the Strip has been rendered inoperable due to electricity cuts and fuel shortages. Meanwhile, all water-related aid, including purification systems, storage tanks, and repair materials, has been blocked. According to a report by the Palestinian Water Authority published in October 2024, water availability in Gaza has dropped by 30–35% compared to pre-war levels.
Gaza relies on three main sources of water:
- Groundwater: The strip contains hundreds of wells, but 717 of them were destroyed or put out of service by Israeli attacks.
- Desalination plants: Gaza previously operated three main desalination plants: the northern plant, with a pre-war production capacity of 10,000 cubic meters per day; the central plant, producing 5,500 cubic meters; and the southern plant, producing 20,000 cubic meters daily. However, two of these plants have been completely shut down, while the third operates at just 5% capacity due to fuel shortages.
- Water supplied by the Israeli company Mekorot: This supply consisted of three main pipelines serving northern, central, and southern Gaza, providing approximately 52,000 cubic meters of water per day before the war. However, Israel cut off these supplies at the onset of the conflict, restoring them only partially and under restrictions after the first ceasefire agreement in November 2023.
Sewage networks have also suffered extensive damage. The government media office in Gaza reported that 655,000 meters of sewage pipelines have been destroyed, leading to a near-total collapse of sanitation services. As a result, wastewater has leaked into residential areas and is also being discharged into the sea.
The destruction of water and sewage infrastructure has severely polluted Gaza’s coastline, groundwater, and soil with untreated wastewater, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and the spread of hazardous chemicals and microplastics. These environmental hazards pose immediate and long-term threats to public health, marine life, and agricultural land in Gaza.
Soil Contamination
The use of munitions containing heavy metals and explosive chemicals has led to severe soil contamination in targeted areas. A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assessment warns that these pollutants pose long-term risks to human health and ecosystems. Additionally, the destruction of solar panels has introduced a new environmental hazard, as lead and other heavy metals leach into the soil and water. This is particularly concerning given that solar energy accounted for approximately 25% of Gaza’s electricity production before the war.
The deliberate leveling of farmland, uprooting of trees, and indiscriminate bombardment have also contributed to desertification in Gaza, reducing soil fertility and further limiting agricultural activity in the region.
Air Pollution
The intense bombardment and subsequent fires have released vast quantities of toxic smoke, gases, and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere. Reports indicate that carbon emissions from the first 60 days of the conflict exceeded the annual emissions of 20 countries combined, amounting to approximately 281,000 tons of harmful pollutants. This degradation of air quality has heightened health risks for Gaza’s population, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and negatively impacting public health—especially in densely populated areas.
Collapse of Waste Management Systems
One of the most pressing post-war challenges in Gaza is the accumulation of over 270,000 tons of solid waste, according to UN estimates. This waste—spread across residential areas, streets, open spaces, and hospitals, including hazardous medical waste—has become an environmental and public health disaster. With Gaza’s waste management facilities and collection systems destroyed, garbage has piled up unchecked, creating a breeding ground for disease and epidemics. The situation is particularly dire in overcrowded displacement camps, where the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure has further exacerbated health risks.
In Gaza City alone, approximately 90,000 tons of waste have accumulated in the streets and around shelter centers, significantly obstructing daily life. The sheer volume of uncollected waste has led to the partial and complete closure of several roads, further complicating movement and relief efforts. Additionally, the spread of disease-carrying insects and rodents has escalated health risks, creating ideal conditions for outbreaks of infectious diseases and epidemics.
Impact on Biodiversity
The war has had devastating effects on biodiversity in Gaza, disrupting ecological balance and putting various plant and animal species at risk of extinction.
- Destruction of Natural Habitats: The use of heavy weaponry and explosives has led to widespread destruction of natural habitats, resulting in the loss of essential ecosystems for many living organisms. This destruction included the burning and devastation of vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and native grasses in coastal and semi-coastal environments. As a result, some plant and animal species have faced the risk of extinction due to the loss of their natural habitats.
- Impact on Wildlife: Military operations have killed or injured countless wild animals in addition to the destruction of their habitats. The noise and explosions have also disrupted animal behavior, affecting their breeding and migration patterns. For example, Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve has turned into a “mass grave” for wildlife, leading to the destruction of one of the world’s major bird migration routes.
- Water Pollution and Marine Life: The leakage of chemicals and pollutants from the bombardment into groundwater and surface water has negatively impacted aquatic organisms. This pollution has led to a decline in fish populations and other marine life, threatening the region’s marine biodiversity.
The environment is one of the sectors most affected by conflicts and wars, as military operations leave devastating impacts on natural resources and environmental infrastructure. Gaza has experienced successive waves of conflict, leading to significant deterioration of the local ecosystem. The UNEP has described the environmental consequences of the war in Gaza as unprecedented, highlighting them as one of the most severe challenges facing the region. The military operations have caused extensive destruction to environmental infrastructure, resulting in soil, water, and air pollution. This environmental contamination has direct negative effects on public health, increasing the spread of infectious diseases and respiratory illnesses.
Additionally, the destruction of farmland and vegetation has threatened food security, increasing reliance on external aid and hindering development efforts. The loss of natural habitats has also led to a decline in biodiversity, posing a threat to the region’s ecological balance. Addressing these impacts requires intensive efforts to rehabilitate the environment, including pollutant removal, rebuilding environmental infrastructure, and promoting sustainability practices. Collaboration between local and international institutions is essential to achieving comprehensive environmental recovery and ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for the population.
