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Lack of enough power and fuel are the problems, without which facilities can't operate. As a result, Gaza's three purification plants run sporadically, and 80 million liters of sewage reach the sea daily, more than half the output. Half is partially treated, the remainder raw.
For dependent Gazans, it's like living atop a toxic waste dump containing the most hazardous contaminants, endangering health and human life.
Healthcare
Mohammed Al Aklouk, Chair of Gaza's Public Service Association, "described how the crises in construction, power, water and sanitation affect the vital provision of healthcare" for everyone in need. Facilities are doing what they can "within the constraints imposed by the blockade."
It's not easy because shortages of everything exist, and much was destroyed and not replaced. There's also "a chronic shortage of specialized medical personnel and access to training," besides spare parts, needed equipment, and dozens of unavailable drugs for cancer, heart, kidney and other diseases, and psychiatric disorders. What's available runs out and isn't replaced because of siege restrictions.
Most often, even for emergencies, care outside Gaza is also denied because crossings remain closed. In addition, doctors report an alarming increase in birth defects and other medical problems because of exposure to white phosphorous and other hazardous chemicals - war crimes when used as weapons. Worse ones against civilian men, women and children. Worst of all in densely populated Gaza.
According to Jolanta Szczypinska, Polish MP, "The white phosphorous that was used by the Israeli army in the heavily populated civilian area of Izbet Abed Rabu was still burning a year after the war."
Emotional as Well as Physical Suffering
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