UNICEF: Israel Blocks Gaza Water Basin Repair, Warns of Flooding

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) stated that Israel has refused to allow the import of necessary equipment to repair a water basin in Gaza, warning that its potential overflow poses a flood and disease risk to nearby residents. Local authorities report that Israel destroyed water infrastructure and pumping vehicles during its war against Hamas, which displaced over two million Gazans and left much of the Strip in ruins, with most residents now living in camps. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder explained that a rainwater basin in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, now contaminated with sewage and at risk of flooding from heavy rains, is among the damaged facilities. He told reporters that UNICEF had been working for a year with Israeli authorities and the "Trump Peace Plan" on a $3 million repair project, but COGAT, the Israeli military agency overseeing humanitarian affairs in Gaza, rejected the plan in recent days. Elder expressed confusion at the decision, stating in a Geneva press conference, "Toxic sewage could flow into the streets and tents of Gaza City, forcing children and families to leave their temporary homes again, and severely increasing the risk of disease spread." He urged rehabilitation before the situation causes further preventable deaths. COGAT has not yet responded to a request for comment. Elder noted that Israel cited security reasons, referencing strict rules on materials that could be used by Hamas. Heavy rains this week have already flooded dozens of tents housing displaced Palestinians. A sand dam collapse killed four people, including three children, highlighting risks as the winter rainy season approaches. A US-brokered ceasefire last year called for Gaza's reconstruction, but progress has been minimal amid disagreements over Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal. World Health Organization spokesperson Christian Lindmeier added at the same press conference that there are significant risks of infectious diseases in Gaza due to flooding, poor sanitation, and inadequate health and water services, with nearly a million displaced people facing moderate to high flood risks.