United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) study of the environmental consequences of war Israel against the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, confirmed this Wednesday EFE representative of this agency.

“While UNEP is not yet able to conduct on-the-ground assessment work in the Gaza Strip, we are working with partners to obtain preliminary understanding of the extent of environmental damage“Explained a representative of the agency, whose headquarters is in Nairobi.

“Sources,” he said, “include analysis of satellite imagery, information from UN offices on the ground and knowledge of the consequences of past conflicts (in the Gaza Strip and elsewhere).”

The spokesperson noted that “evaluation work has already begun” and “preliminary results are expected to be available within the next two to three months.”

All reports and data received indicate that The conflict has led to a significant increase in land, soil and water pollution.including the release of hazardous materials into the environment, according to UNEP.

As the war escalated, waste treatment facilities were damaged or destroyed and power supplies were cut off or interrupted.

According to UN agency estimates, at least 100,000 cubic meters of wastewater are discharged on land or into the sea every day Mediterranean.

“Historic incidents of marine pollution in Gaza have resulted in high concentrations of chlorophyll and suspended organic matter in coastal waters, as well as gastrointestinal parasites. It is likely that this conflict is exacerbating these problems.”

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“Garbage and hazardous waste are also a major concern,” acknowledged a UNEP source, who estimated total amount of garbage (until January 7, 2024) is 22.9 million tons..

“Near very large amount of garbage, especially for such a small area. Disposal of the waste will be an extensive and delicate operation” since “it may contain harmful substances such as asbestos” and furthermore, “there are human remains”“, the representative added.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen discussed the issue last week with Palestinian Environment Quality Authority President Nisreen Tamimi at the 6th UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi.

Andersen then reported that UNEP received “official request assess the environmental consequences of the conflict in Gaza.”

The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7 after an attack by the Islamist group that left 1,200 dead in Israel and at least 240 people taken hostage.