Israeli-caused fuel shortages and power outages increase levels of Gaza sea pollution due to the flow of untreated sewage

Mizan: Levels of Gaza sea pollution rose due to the flow of sewage

[ 18/05/2008 - 01:15 PM ]

GAZA, (PIC)--

Al-Mizan center for human rights warned that the stoppage of the nine sewage pumping stations and the treatment plant of the municipal coastal water authority in Gaza led the untreated waste water to flow directly to the sea which raised the level of sea pollution.

The center said that the fuel shortages and power outages are the main cause of this environmental crisis because the pumping stations and the treatment plan cannot work without enough power.

The statement pointed out that the sea pollution constitutes a threat to the public health especially with the approaching summer season which turns the coast into a crowded recreational area.

The center added that the untreated waste water contains fermented organic materials and toxic chemicals and is expected to have serious repercussions on the ecosystem of the Gaza beach.

Mizan called on the international community to urgently move to pressure the IOA to lift the siege which violates the rules of international humanitarian law and to work on ensuring the entry of Gaza needs of fuel and foodstuff on a regular basis.

The European campaign to lift the siege had warned of the contamination of drinking water in Gaza due to the aggravating fuel crisis which may result in mass poisoning cases among citizens.

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