Public health risks are mounting across Gaza, according to the United Nations, as ongoing Israeli restrictions continue to severely hamper the collection of solid waste. Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the UN, stated during a press briefing on Tuesday that organizations dedicated to waste management have reported that only half of their vehicle fleet currently remains operational.
The operational crisis is attributed to persistent Israeli limitations on the entry of critical supplies, specifically spare parts and engine oil, which are necessary to maintain the functionality of collection vehicles. Dujarric emphasized that the resulting inability to collect a significant portion of trash is creating an urgent public health threat. He called for a broader range of essential supplies to be allowed into the region, urging for reduced administrative red tape and the opening of additional crossings to facilitate aid deliveries.
Beyond immediate logistical concerns, Dujarric highlighted that humanitarian funding remains a critical necessity, particularly as residents face their fourth winter living in dire conditions of displacement. The ongoing conflict, initiated with US support in October 2023, has resulted in more than 74,000 deaths and over 175,000 injuries, while approximately 90 percent of civilian infrastructure in Gaza has been destroyed. Although a ceasefire has been in effect since October 10, 2025, Israel has continued to carry out shelling, shooting, and the demolition of Palestinian structures, further expanding the scale of destruction.
