NEW ORK, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 (WAFA) - The Israeli occupation's destruction of buildings, roads and other infrastructure in Gaza has generated over 39 million tons of debris, some of which is contaminated with unexploded ordnance, asbestos and other hazardous substances. Human remains are buried in this vast quantity of building debris, said a report issued by the UN Environment Program (UNEP).

In a report on the environmental impact of the conflict in Gaza, UNEP said for each square meter in the Gaza Strip, there is now over 107 kg of debris, which may contain UXO, hazardous substances and human remains.

UNEP said it would seek to undertake a field-based process that would enable a more accurate assessment of the extent and type of environmental degradation whenever security conditions allow and access is granted.

UNEP said that Intensive bombardment by Israel has led to unprecedented intensity of destruction in terms of infrastructure, productive assets and service delivery, adding that sewage, wastewater and solid waste management systems and facilities have also collapsed, said the report.

Another set of urgent but less immediately visible environmental challenges include the contamination of land, water resources and the air by munitions and unexploded ordnance.

T.R.