Reuters reports that untreated sewage has flowed directly into waters off Gaza for years, causing an environmental disaster that has destroyed one of the few swimming opportunities available to people trapped in the narrow coastal strip.
Environmental officials said internationally funded sewage treatment facilities across the coastal enclave have ramped up operations, reducing pollution to its lowest levels in many years.
“We could not come before because the sea was polluted and if we did, our children used to go home with viruses and skin diseases,” said Sahar Abu Bashir.
The long sandy beach seemed almost devoid of red flags warning beachgoers not to swim due to the tens of millions of cubic meters of untreated sewage that was gushing into the ocean every day.
People sat around plastic tables at the water’s edge, while children played with inflatable rubber shower rings. In some areas, horse owners gave their animals a cool sea bath.
The Hamas-run Environment and Water Quality Authority said sewage dumped into the sea has been partially treated, making 65% of the beach safe and clean, with plans to expand it.
“The summer season in the Gaza Strip will be relatively safe compared to previous years due to the remarkable improvement in the quality of sea water,” said Director of Environmental Resources Muhammad Musleh.
ZHB