Addressing the impending humanitarian crises facing Gaza is critical. What was once considered a “white elephant” of Mideast international development is now offering a roadmap to a safer existence for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Sewage treatment might not sound like a path to peace, but despite on-going border security and Jerusalem status issues, access to safe water and sanitation has become a shared interest for all parties.
Gaza is currently experiencing a severe public health crisis. Years of Hamas neglect, destructive warfare, and the electricity crisis prevent the Strip’s waste management infrastructure from operating properly. As a result, sewage flows in the streets and into the Mediterranean, inviting the spread of potentially lethal diseases and pandemics.