Israel’s water crisis has deepened as five desalination plants were forced to shut down for days due to an unprecedented algae bloom, leaving parts of the country facing severe shortages. Scientists link the surge in harmful algae to the destruction of Gaza’s wastewater infrastructure, which has led to large releases of untreated sewage rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Environmental groups warn that pollution from Gaza is worsening the situation, as the untreated wastewater fuels toxic algal growth that disrupts Israel’s desalination operations. The crisis highlights how environmental damage from conflict is now spilling across borders, threatening water supplies for millions.
Five desalination plants shut down for days, while Gaza remains in grip of severe water and sanitation crisisIsrael is facing weeks of water shortages after an exceptional algae bloom crippled much of its desalination capacity, in a crisis scientists say was triggered when Israeli attacks destroyed much of Gaza’s wastewater infrastructure, causing a massive discharge of untreated sewage.“Pollution does not recognise political borders,” said the Zalul Environmental Association, an Israeli NGO dedicated to protecting the country’s seas and shores. “The discharge of untreated sewage from the Gaza Strip into the sea is contributing to the worsening crisis affecting the Israeli desalination facilities. The wastewater contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which feed microalgae and cyanobacteria and may intensify their blooms.” Continue reading...
