Gaza Sewage Crisis, Festering In Conflict, Poisons Coast

[Purveyor]

By Fares Akram and Daniella Cheslow | AP May 3

SHATI REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip — Each day, millions of gallons of raw sewage pour into the Gaza Strip’s Mediterranean beachfront, spewing out of a metal pipe and turning miles of once-scenic coastline into a stagnant dead zone.

The sewage has damaged Gaza’s limited fresh water supplies, decimated fishing zones, and after years of neglect, is now floating northward and affecting Israel as well, where a nearby desalination plant was forced to shut down, apparently due to pollution.

“It’s certain that Gaza Strip’s beaches are completely polluted and unsuitable for swimming and entertainment, especially in the summer,” said Ahmed Yaqoubi of the Palestinian Water Authority.

Environmentalists and international aid organizations say that if the problem isn’t quickly addressed, it could spell even more trouble on both sides of the border.

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http://wapo.st/1Tvos4G

[oberliner]

1. This is real reporting

A fair and reasonable article by real journalists attempting to get to the bottom of an awful situation. This is what good journalism looks like. Thank you for posting.

There are several charitable organizations dedicated to dealing with this issue - I would encourage folks to donate to one of them if possible.

[FBaggins]

2. Do the charitable organizations maintain control over the funds?

Or do they have to answer to Hamas?

No point sending my money over if it's just going to get diverted to a tunnel into Israel for terror attacks.

[oberliner]

3. Use your judgement

It's always risky, of course, but there are several groups that are doing good work, in my opinion.

[FBaggins]

5. My judgement tells me not to risk financing terrorism

The diversion of funds for terrorism is a win-win for Hamas. The more money they divert, the greater the apparent need.

[oberliner]

9. That is your prerogative

My feeling is that if the people in Gaza receive help from groups who are unaffiliated with Hamas then that is a positive for all concerned. I look forward to the day when they are able to free themselves of their rule.

[shira]

10. I'm with you. I want guarantees this doesn't get into Hamas' hands.

I refuse to bankroll Hamas' war machine against Jews.

[Fozzledick]

4. So how do they expect to run their own "state" when they can't even manage basic sanitation?

And please don't try to tell me that it's Israel's fault - the article makes it clear that the problem is due to internal corruption and diversion of resources to offensive military projects.

[Israeli]

6. US announces $50 million aid program for the Gaza Strip

The money will be used over five years to provide humanitarian assistance and create jobs in the enclave; US Agency for International Development in partnership with Catholic Relief Services will be responsible to distribute money.

Associated Press
Published: 05.09.16, 21:24 / Israel News

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4801490,00.html

[Little Tich]

7. I suppose that if Israel actually cared, it could fix the problem it caused.

I just wonder what would happen if conditions in Gaza become so bad that it will be impossible to live there?

[shira]

8. So no blaming Hamas from you. Think Hamas cares even one bit about it? n/t

[oberliner]

11. Not with Hamas in power there

Short of re-occupying Gaza, Israel is really not able to solve this problem. It will take a combination of factors, including the election of a governing body in Gaza that is not corrupt and/or devoted to destroying Israel.

[Little Tich]

12. I have no hope whatsoever that the people in Gaza will be able to fix their own problems.

I don't know of any parallel where it's been done, anywhere in the world or any time in history. Outside help is essential.

[oberliner]

13. Terrorist organizations rarely make good governing authorities

That's for sure. They are generally too inclined to devote resources towards violence (and they are also often riddled with corruption).

However, if Hamas decided to renounce terrorism and transform itself into a different kind of organization, then that could completely change the situation.

Similarly, Hamas could allow elections (it's been 10 years) and a candidate could run on a platform along those lines, renouncing terrorism, etc., and the people of Gaza could rally behind that candidate and that message and vote in a different kind of government.

Those two steps would make it much easier for outside help to come in as well. Many countries are wary under the current circumstances with Hamas in power.