The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday that contamination of the water consumed by the population of Gaza, which only arrives in tanker trucks, has increased to 20%, according to the results of more than 6.500 samples analyzed.
The WHO representative in Palestine, Reinhiulde Van De Weerdt, explained that this situation will worsen with the upcoming start of the rainy season, as the current circumstances will flood the tents of displaced families.
Furthermore, he warned that the upcoming rains will "spread sewage, garbage, and contaminated water into the places where people sleep and cook." In addition, the stagnant water will lead to a proliferation of mosquitoes and other pests.
She added that you don't need to be a public health expert or an epidemiologist, like herself, to understand what lies ahead for the people of Gaza.
"Water tankers are something we are used to resorting to after a disaster or crisis, but it is unacceptable that in Gaza, almost three years later (after the Israeli aggression), these tankers are still what most people depend on," he said.
One of the consequences is the almost twofold increase in cases of diarrhea. Last March, 27.000 cases were recorded, while in August this number rose to 48.000 cases of acute diarrhea, a period that coincides with the increase in water pollution.
Van De Weerdt reiterated that this decline in public health can be avoided if immediate measures are taken, such as providing more permanent housing and ensuring a sustainable water supply.
However, Israel does not allow the entry into Gaza of laboratory and diagnostic supplies needed to determine which viruses and bacteria are circulating, and thus act quickly to prevent an epidemic outbreak.
