UNICEF says Israel blocks repairs to Gaza stormwater basin, warns of flood and disease risk
UNICEF warns Israel's refusal to let repair equipment into Gaza could cause the Sheikh Radwan stormwater basin to overflow, sparking floods and disease among...
POLICY WIRE — Geneva, Switzerland — UNICEF reports that Israel has denied entry of equipment required to fix a key storm‑water basin in Gaza, heightening fears of overflow, flooding and disease among people forced from their homes.
The facility in question is the Sheikh Radwan stormwater basin located in Gaza City, which now contains sewage‑tainted water and faces the danger of spilling over after intense rainfalls.
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters on Tuesday that Israel rejected the necessary repair gear, warning that an uncontrolled release could endanger nearby populations with both flood damage and health hazards.
The agency emphasized that the blockage jeopardizes essential sanitation for displaced families and could exacerbate an already fragile humanitarian situation in the enclave.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
