HEALTH CONCERNS RISE AS SEWAGE SPREADS ALONG GAZA COASTLINE. (PHOTO).

 Health Concerns Rise as Sewage Spreads Along Gaza Coastline

Parts of Gaza's Mediterranean coastline have started turning brown due to a significant sewage spill, raising health concerns over the potential spread of diseases. Satellite images analyzed by BBC Arabic reveal a large discharge of sewage off the coast of Deir al-Balah, suggesting that open sewage is flowing directly into the sea. Local officials attribute the spill to the increased number of displaced people, who are reportedly connecting their sewage pipes to the rainwater drainage system to manage waste. "It is because of the increase in the number of displaced people, and many are connecting their own pipes to the rainwater drainage system," explained Abu Yazan Ismael Sarsour, head of the Deir al-Balah emergency committee.

Environmental expert Wim Zwijnenburg from the Pax for Peace organization confirmed that wastewater from overcrowded camps appears to be flowing into the sea, based on the satellite images captured on August 2. These images showed that the sewage discharge had spread over an area exceeding 2 square kilometers and had been gradually growing since it first appeared in June. However, it's uncertain whether the coastal pollution continues to expand, as no recent satellite images are available. The situation has been exacerbated by the collapse of Gaza's wastewater management infrastructure, a consequence of intensive Israeli bombardment, according to a UN environmental report issued in June.

In response, the Israeli defense ministry body, Cogat, which oversees policy for the Palestinian territories, told BBC Arabic that a dedicated humanitarian taskforce has been working to improve Gaza's sewage system. This includes efforts to restore water wells, enhance desalination facilities, and extend water pipelines. Despite these claims, the BBC has not been able to independently verify the extent of these improvements due to restricted access to Gaza, as Israel and Egypt only allow controlled and brief visits by independent journalists under military supervision.