A severe public health crisis is escalating in Gaza as mounting piles of uncollected waste threaten to overwhelm displaced populations and overwhelm local authorities. Municipal crews, operating with severely damaged infrastructure and crippling fuel shortages, are struggling to contain the situation amidst ongoing hostilities and restricted movement.

Despite operating with minimal resources and in cooperation with local and international partners, the municipality has stated that its efforts are a stopgap measure. The accumulation of refuse has led to a visible increase in vermin and has heightened concerns over the rapid spread of communicable diseases, particularly within overcrowded makeshift camps. The situation threatens a complete collapse of essential public services.

According to a statement, an urgent appeal has been made for international intervention to address the grave humanitarian and environmental consequences. There are calls for immediate action to facilitate the delivery of basic services and to prevent further deterioration of conditions for the civilian population. The municipality continues to work under extreme duress to mitigate the disaster.