Gaza is facing an escalating environmental and health crisis as more than 450,000 tons of uncollected waste suffocate its streets, with Gaza City alone bearing over 260,000 tons. The municipality has warned that fuel shortages and the destruction of cleaning vehicles have crippled waste collection, leaving densely populated neighbourhoods overwhelmed by filth.

Temporary dumpsites have sprung up in markets, residential areas, and displacement centres, exposing over a million residents to grave health risks. Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, are especially at risk as garbage piles up near overcrowded shelters already plagued by water shortages and poor sanitation.

Municipal officials are pleading for urgent international intervention, calling on humanitarian organisations to provide fuel and equipment to prevent the outbreak of epidemics. With key landfills inaccessible due to Israeli restrictions and ongoing strikes on infrastructure, Gaza’s ability to maintain even basic sanitation has collapsed, leaving its people trapped in a toxic and deteriorating environment.