UNICEF reports Israel blocked repairs to Gaza stormwater basin
The agency says COGAT rejected a $3 million repair plan for the Sheikh Radwan basin, citing security concerns, just as heavy rains threaten displaced families.
By Anthony Foster ·
UNICEF stated that Israeli authorities have refused to allow equipment into Gaza needed to repair a damaged water basin. The agency warned that the facility could overflow, creating hazards of flooding and disease for nearby residents.
James Elder, a UNICEF representative, identified the facility as the Sheikh Radwan stormwater basin in Gaza City. He described the structure as contaminated with sewage and at risk of overflowing following recent heavy rainfall. Elder said the agency had spent one year coordinating with Israeli officials and the US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace to finalize a $3 million repair project.
Elder told reporters in Geneva that COGAT, the Israeli military body managing humanitarian affairs in Gaza, rejected the proposal in the past few days. He noted that COGAT cited security grounds for the refusal. This justification appears to reference strict Israeli regulations on items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
“Toxic sewage could flow into the streets and tents of Gaza City, forcing children and families from their makeshift homes once more, and grossly increasing the threat of disease. So we're a bit baffled,” Elder said. He added, “Let's do the rehabilitation before this becomes another entirely preventable killer of girls and boys in Gaza.”
Local authorities report that Israeli forces destroyed water infrastructure and pumping vehicles during the war against Hamas. The conflict displaced most of the territory's more than 2 million residents. Most of the population now lives in tent camps across the strip.
Heavy rain this week flooded tens of thousands of tents in these encampments. Four people, including three small children, died when a sand embankment collapsed on their tents. The incident occurred ahead of the rainy winter season. COGAT did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Christian Lindmeier, a World Health Organization spokesperson, spoke at the same briefing in Geneva. He noted high risks of communicable disease in Gaza due to flooding and poor sanitation. Lindmeier stated that nearly 1 million displaced people in the region face medium or high flood risk. A US-brokered ceasefire from last year called for reconstruction, but negotiators have yet to agree on terms for Hamas disarmament or Israeli troop withdrawal.
