Poliovirus found in Gaza sewage sounds alarm on grave health crisis

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has issued an urgent warning after tests conducted on sewage samples, in coordination with UNICEF, confirmed the presence of the poliovirus.

This alarming discovery highlights a severe health crisis as the virus is found in sewage water that flows through the densely populated areas and displacement camps, where infrastructure has been severely damaged due to the relentless Israeli bombardment since October 7.

The Ministry of Health labeled the situation as a “new health disaster.”

“The presence of the poliovirus in sewage water, especially in areas densely populated with displaced people, signifies a grave health risk,” the Ministry stated.

The overcrowded conditions, coupled with limited access to clean water, sewage contamination, and the accumulation of garbage, create an ideal environment for the spread of various epidemics, it added.

The Ministry also emphasized that the total Israeli blockade that restricts the entry of essential hygiene supplies exacerbates the situation.

“The detection of the poliovirus in sewage water indicates a potential health disaster, putting thousands at risk of contracting polio. We urgently call for an immediate cessation of Israeli aggression, the provision of clean water, repair of sewage systems, and a resolution to the overcrowding in displacement areas,” it stressed.

In a related development, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the Israeli Ministry of Health has advised the military to vaccinate its soldiers against polio following the detection of the virus in Gaza.

‘Israel’ is weaponizing water against Gaza: Oxfam

A new Oxfam report released Thursday has exposed “Israel’s” systematic use of water as a weapon against Palestinians in the war-torn Gaza Strip, flagrantly disregarding human life and international law.

The report, titled “Water War Crimes,” reveals that “Israel’s” external water supply cuts, systematic destruction of water facilities, and deliberate obstruction of aid have slashed the amount of water available in Gaza by 94%, leaving only 4.74 liters per person per day—just under a third of the recommended minimum in emergencies and less than a single toilet flush.

Oxfam’s analysis also shows that Israeli military actions have damaged or destroyed on average five water and sanitation infrastructure sites every three days since the war began.

The destruction of water and electricity infrastructure, combined with restrictions on spare parts and fuel (with only about a fifth of the required amount allowed in), has led to an 84% reduction in water production in Gaza. Additionally, external supply from “Israel’s” water company Mekorot has decreased by 78%.

The report further indicated that “Israel” has destroyed 70% of all sewage pumps and 100% of all wastewater treatment plants, along with the main water quality testing laboratories in Gaza, and has restricted the entry of Oxfam’s water testing equipment. As a result, Gaza City has nearly lost all its water production capacity, with 88% of its water wells and 100% of its desalination plants either damaged or destroyed.

Oxfam Water and Sanitation Specialist, Lama Abdul Samad, said, “We’ve already seen Israel’s use of collective punishment and its use of starvation as a weapon of war. Now we are witnessing its weaponizing of water, which is already having deadly consequences.”

“But the deliberate restriction of access to water is not a new tactic. The Israeli Government has been depriving Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza of safe and sufficient water for many years,” she stressed.   

On his account, Monther Shoblak, General Manager of the Gaza Strip’s water utility CMWU, said, “My colleagues and I have been living through a nightmare these past nine months, but we still feel it’s our responsibility and duty to ensure everybody in Gaza is getting their minimum right of clean drinking water. It’s been very difficult, but we are determined to keep trying – even when we witness our colleagues being targeted and killed by Israel while undertaking their work.”