Urgent Humanitarian Needs in Gaza: Addressing Sanitation and Hygiene Challenges

By: Dr. Bissan Anbar

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Palestine, the region bears witness to a distressing series of events that have left a profound impact on the Palestinian population. The attacks, marked by their intensity and scope, have targeted essential infrastructures, including schools, hospitals, residential homes, and refugee camps. The consequences of these assaults extend beyond immediate casualties, leading to a humanitarian crisis with far-reaching effects on the well-being of the Palestinian people. Denial of humanitarian aid compounds the challenges, exacerbating conditions for vulnerable groups, especially children who now grapple with hunger, malnutrition, dehydration, and inadequate access to vital medication.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the number of Palestinians killed in Israel’s genocide in Gaza is nearing 30,000 since October 7th. The attacks have targeted various essential infrastructures including schools, hospitals, residential homes, and refugee camps. This assault has been compounded by the denial of humanitarian aid, exacerbating conditions for thousands of children who now face hunger, malnutrition, dehydration, and inadequate access to medication.

During the pervasive fear and displacement, even the most basic tasks have become monumental challenges. Accessing adequate toilet facilities, particularly for children and women during their most private moments, presents a daily struggle fraught with difficulties. The few available toilets are often in deplorable condition, lacking cleanliness and privacy, with a single unit serving over 100 individuals daily.

Ibtesam’s testimony, extracted from an interview, vividly illustrates the dire circumstances faced by many, as she recounted her harrowing experience of avoiding the toilet for five days and navigating treacherous paths strewn with sand, insects, and the constant threat of dog attacks. Such challenges take a significant toll on physical and emotional well-being, echoing the struggles of countless others in similar situations.

Since the onset of the war, the absence of water has only worsened hygiene conditions. Long queues form outside the toilets, leaving many unable to access them at all. It’s a heartbreaking reality that unfolds daily. Children face their own set of challenges, particularly during cold nights when frequent trips to the toilet are unavoidable. Yet, privacy remains a luxury as large crowds gather outside these facilities.

In addition to that, bathing, a necessity, has become a luxury for many. Some wait for over a month, relying on sea water despite its detrimental effects on health. The situation in Gaza is dire, a stark reminder of the urgent need for compassion and action. The challenges faced by women, children, and families in accessing basic sanitation and maintaining personal hygiene are profound. The lack of privacy, long queues, and unsanitary conditions jeopardize their health, leading to various illnesses and infections.

Access to things like clean water and proper sanitation facilities is so important, especially during times of crisis. Humanitarian organizations must intervene by establishing safe and private toilet facilities and distributing hygiene kits containing essentials like sanitary pads to uphold the dignity of women during their menstrual cycles. Urgent measures are needed to improve infrastructure and increase humanitarian aid in Gaza. Clean water is not merely for washing but is fundamental to maintaining health and preventing the spread of diseases.

The people of Gaza urgently require the advocacy of the global community to support immediate intervention and alleviate their unimaginable suffering. The world must persistently raise its voice until an end is brought to the Israel’s genocide and every individual in Gaza can access to the basics they need to live with dignity and health.