Environmental Crisis in Gaza: A Regional Impact
The ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip have led to unprecedented environmental pollution, affecting not only the Gazan community but also neighboring countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. According to the United Nations Environment Program, the environmental consequences include severe pollution of soil, water, and air, posing risks of irreparable damage to natural ecosystems. The situation has escalated to alarming levels, with carbon emissions in Gaza reportedly tripling during the first 60 days of the conflict, reaching approximately 281,000 tons. This surge in emissions exacerbates the global climate emergency, overshadowing the carbon dioxide emissions typically associated with military operations.
Egypt is notably the most affected neighbor, particularly in North Sinai, where air quality has deteriorated significantly. Hossam Moharam, a former advisor to the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, outlined three levels of pollution stemming from the conflict: local pollution confined to military operation areas, transboundary pollution affecting neighboring regions, and global pollution contributing to climate change. The Arab Water Council has raised alarms regarding the impact on the Red Sea environment and biodiversity, citing the contamination of groundwater due to the influx of salty Mediterranean water into the region.
The Impact on Agriculture and Food Security in Lebanon
In Lebanon, the repercussions of the conflict have led to significant agricultural losses, particularly in border areas with Palestine. Farmers have reported chemical contamination of crops and soil infertility due to the use of phosphorus shells by Israeli forces. This contamination has adversely affected vital crops such as olives, grains, and winter crops, posing a threat to food security. Environmental expert Imad Hamdi emphasized the long-term effects of phosphorus oxides on soil fertility, warning that unexploded ordnance poses a continuous risk to both human and environmental health.
The movement of pollutants across borders has raised concerns about air quality in neighboring countries, with reports of increased pollution indicators. Experts agree that the pollution from military operations not only affects local ecosystems but also has dire consequences for food chains, impacting both wildlife and human populations. The call for accountability is growing louder, with suggestions to pursue legal action against those responsible for environmental destruction, including the establishment of an international court for environmental crimes.
As the conflict continues, the need for international action to protect the environment and hold perpetrators accountable has never been more urgent. Experts advocate for the drafting of international laws to criminalize environmental genocide and ensure that the destruction of natural resources is recognized as a war crime under international humanitarian law.
