Quarter million tons of waste pile up in Gaza City amid health crisis

More than 250,000 tons of waste have accumulated across Gaza City, creating what local officials describe as a growing “environmental and health disaster” amid ongoing water shortages and sewage leaks.

Municipal spokesperson Asim al-Nabih said the crisis is worsening due to massive destruction from the ongoing conflict and the lack of machinery or fuel needed to provide basic services.

“Gaza City is facing several health and environmental disasters that endanger residents’ lives,” Nabih said, warning that the waste poses a “grave catastrophe” and increases the risk of disease as rodents and insects spread.

Authorities say more than 85 percent of the city’s heavy and medium equipment has been destroyed during the conflict, leaving municipal crews unable to clear the waste or repair damaged systems. Israeli forces are also blocking access to the main landfill in Juhor al-Dik, southeast of Gaza City, located beyond the so-called “yellow line” — the boundary separating areas occupied by Israeli troops from those evacuated under the 10 October ceasefire.

Officials added that large quantities of untreated sewage are flooding the streets, further worsening the public health emergency.

Nabih called for urgent international intervention to provide machinery, fuel, and safe access for workers, warning that without immediate help, “residents will face the risk of death from diseases and epidemics.”

Local authorities estimate that about 90 percent of Gaza City has been damaged, with total losses nearing $70 billion.

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