Fuel shortages and electricity cuts have resulted in severe environmental problems for the Gaza Strip.
The nine sewage water pumping stations of the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility sewage treatment plant halted operations.
Consequently, untreated sewage water flowed from three coastal terminals directly to the sea, thus increasing the level of pollution in the Mediterranean.
This pollution is a serious threat to public health, particularly as summer has begun and more people will visit Gaza's beaches for recreation.
Beaches are the only resort for Gazans in the summer.
The untreated sewage water, which contains a mix of fermented organic materials and toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, cleaning materials and other wastes, has serious repercussions on the coastal ecosystem, including fish and wildlife.
In light of this threat, Al Mezan calls upon all relevant parties to: Warn people immediately about the potential risks that would arise from visiting beaches for recreation until these risks are eliminated.
Prepare a strict, reliable assessment of the situation to identify risks.
Work together to develop a plan to address the pollution and take necessary steps to preserve the health and safety of citizens.
Al Mezan views this threat as one of the repercussions of Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The blockade has caused a severe lack of fuel in the Strip because the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) allows limited amounts of fuel to enter the Strip.
As a result of such policies, Gazans are denied the enjoyment of basic rights to which they are entitled, particularly the right to health.
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights condemns the IOF's escalating aggression and collective punishment against the population of the Palestinian Occupied Territories (OPT), including the Gaza Strip.
The Center calls on the international community to intervene immediately and exert pressure on Israel to lift the siege, which violates international humanitarian law and is a war crime.
The Israeli Government's frequent statements indicate that these collective punishment measures, which include severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods, are aimed at pressurizing Gaza's population for political reasons.
The immediate as well as long-run implications of these measures on civilian life and wellbeing are dire.
These measures are contrary to both law and ethics and must stop immediately.
Al Mezan therefore appeals to the international community to ensure the entry of fuel and foodstuffs into the Strip on a regular basis in order to alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Strip.
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