Gaza’s recent conflict has left behind an unprecedented amount of rubble, posing significant environmental and health risks, according to a UN and international organizations’ report. The sheer volume of debris dwarfs that of previous Gaza conflicts since 2008, and its widespread distribution, density, and the extent of damage to homes are also unprecedented. The report warns of potential contamination from explosives and asbestos, especially in refugee camps. Compounding these issues are housing, land, and property ownership challenges. Verifying ownership, recovering lost documents, obtaining consent for rubble removal, securing permits, and re-establishing property boundaries are proving difficult.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, expressed hope for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Quoting a Gazan boy’s plea for genuine and sustained peace, she underscored the immense psychological trauma inflicted on the population. Balkhy described the indescribable suffering endured by Gazans, including months of food and water shortages, relentless bombings, and pervasive grief. She emphasized the need for comprehensive mental health support to help individuals and families recover.
Balkhy also stressed that a ceasefire in Gaza shouldn’t lead to increased violence elsewhere, highlighting the WHO’s monitoring of escalating attacks on healthcare in the West Bank since October 2023. Finally, she affirmed the irreplaceable role of UNRWA in Gaza, emphasizing its unique capacity to deliver aid.