The blockade of Gaza: Five years on
14 June 2012
Gaza's deadly drinking water
Gaza's only fresh water source is now too dangerous to drink and is contaminated with fertiliser and human waste, according to a shocking new report from Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and Save the Children.
On the fifth anniversary of the blockade, Gaza's Children; Falling Behind, reveals desperate families are being forced to buy from private sources, not knowing that in most cases this water too is contaminated, often at ten times the safe level.
With 1.7 million people - including more than 800,000 children - crammed into just 365 square kilometres - an area roughly equivalent to the size of the Isle of Wight.
"The blockade is a blight on the lives of Gaza's civilians. It is shocking to see so many children struggling to live a fulfilled and healthy life - unable to play in safe areas and forced to drink dirty and dangerous water that is making them sick," said Aimee Shalan, MAP's Director of Advocacy and Communications.
Since the blockade started, the number of children under three being treated for watery diarrhoea has doubled. High levels of nitrate - found in faeces and fertiliser - is also linked to some cancers and is a massive risk to pregnant women.
Gaza 's sewage system is also completely broken, much of it destroyed during Operation Cast Lead and treatment plants are overloaded or lack fuel. Open cesspits sit right next to family homes and in just the first two months of this year, three children drowned in open sewers.
Aimee Shalan continued: "There is now a whole generation of children in Gaza who have no idea what life is like beyond the blockade. Urgent action is needed to safeguard their health, now and for future. We must end the blockade and ensure that projects to provide clean, safe drinking water and sanitation are fully implemented."
There are only two crossings available for people to leave Gaza and people require select security permits to leave the heavily guarded exit. Crucial equipment needed to repair the sewage and water system remains blocked and on the restricted list of goods allowed in. Just one fifth of the equipment needed has been delivered to date, with the remainder sitting unused in warehouses.
The charities are calling for:
1. Israel must lift the blockade in its entirety to enable the free movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza, including the West Bank and Jerusalem
2. All planned water and sanitation projects must be implemented immediately and a clear timetable provided by the Israelis for their completion
3. The International Community, along with relevant authorities must implement long term strategies to improve conditions for children
4. The Palestinian Authority must facilitate the impartial and rapid material provision and funding of medical supplies and services in Gaza
5. Donors must ensure that funding is available for long term projects and not just emergency, short term projects
