Gaza Herald_ Municipal authorities in North Gaza have warned that the Israeli assault has transformed the region into a full-scale humanitarian and environmental disaster, following unprecedented destruction of infrastructure, water resources, agriculture, and basic services.
In a joint statement, municipalities across North Gaza said that more than 150 kilometers of roads have been completely or partially destroyed, crippling transportation and obstructing emergency and relief operations. The devastation has also extended to the water sector, with at least 70 main water wells rendered inoperable due to bombardment and systematic damage.
The statement confirmed the destruction of wastewater treatment stations and all electricity generators used to operate essential municipal services, leaving large areas without sewage treatment, clean water, or power. As a result, untreated wastewater now poses a serious public health threat, particularly in densely populated and displaced communities.
Municipalities also reported catastrophic losses in the agricultural sector, with more than 50,000 dunams of farmland destroyed, deepening food insecurity and accelerating famine conditions in northern Gaza. Officials warned that the collapse of agricultural production has left the area facing near-total dependence on aid, which remains severely restricted due to Israel’s ongoing siege.
Adding to the crisis, local authorities said they are facing severe shortages of fuel, making it nearly impossible to operate remaining water wells, sewage networks, and waste collection vehicles. The lack of maintenance materials, water pipes, and sewage infrastructure has further paralyzed repair efforts, despite the urgent need to prevent environmental collapse.
The accumulation of thousands of tons of solid waste across residential areas was also highlighted as a major concern. With waste disposal systems destroyed and fuel unavailable, garbage has piled up in streets and near shelters, contributing to the spread of diseases and worsening already dire health conditions.
Municipal officials stressed that the situation in North Gaza is no longer merely a service disruption but a comprehensive disaster affecting every aspect of life. They warned that without immediate international intervention, fuel access, and the entry of essential materials, the humanitarian crisis will continue to spiral, threatening lives on a massive scale.
The municipalities called on international organizations and humanitarian agencies to urgently intervene, pressure for the lifting of restrictions, and hold Israel accountable for what they described as the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, in violation of international humanitarian law.
