Ecocide in Gaza

Imaan Ali Sheikh | Ali Tauqeer Sheikh 

Published October 17, 2024

DAWN

THE ongoing war on Gaza, recently recognised as a genocide by the International Court of Justice, has garnered global attention for its devastating humanitarian impact.

However, beneath the immediate human tragedy lies a less visible, but equally alarming crisis: the systematic destruction of Gaza’s physical environment and its ecosystem. This environmental catastrophe, which some experts are terming ‘ecocide’, threatens to have long-lasting consequences that extend far beyond the current conflict, affecting the region’s ecology, public health, and future habitability. Moreover, this environmental destruction fundamentally undermines the human dignity of Gaza’s residents, depriving them of their basic rights to a clean and healthy environment.

The conflict’s impact on Gaza’s ecosystem extends beyond the immediate destruction of flora and fauna. The region’s biodiversity is under severe threat as habitats are destroyed and food chains disrupted. The loss of vegetation, particularly trees, has far-reaching consequences for local wildlife. Birds and small mammals that relied on these trees for shelter and sustenance may have been forced to migrate or face potential extinction. Moreover, the destruction of coastal areas and marine habitats due to military operations and pollution run-off threatens Gaza’s marine ecosystem, thus impacting biodiversity and jeopardising livelihoods.

The alteration of the landscape through widespread destruction and the potential for future urban development plans could lead to irreversible changes in the local ecosystem. The contamination of soil and water resources may persist for years, hampering future agricultural productivity and access to safe drinking water. The loss of arable land due to pollution, erosion, and potential salinisation could have severe implications for food security in a region already grappling with resource scarcity.

Deforestation presents another critical environmental challenge. The destruction of trees, including Gaza’s iconic olive groves, is occurring through multiple mechanisms. Direct damage from bombings and fires has obliterated vast swathes of vegetation. This deforestation not only disrupts local ecosystems but also exacerbates issues of soil erosion and desertification, potentially rendering large areas unsuitable for future habitation or agriculture.

The environmental crisis in Gaza is closely linked to a growing public health emergency.

The environmental degradation in Gaza is multifaceted, encompassing issues ranging from water contamination to deforestation. One of the most pressing concerns is the contamination of water sources. The intensive bombardment has damaged water infrastructure, leading to the mixing of sewage and potable water supplies. This contamination renders much of the available water unfit for human consumption, cooking, and basic hygiene practices. The situation is made worse by the collapse of waste management systems, resulting in the accumulation of various types of waste, including hazardous medical waste.

The scarcity of clean water has far-reaching implications. According to media reports, the displaced populations lack access to basic sanitation facilities, leading to an increase in open defecation and further contributing to the spread of waterborne diseases. The contamination of water sources also poses a significant threat to agriculture. Polluted water used for irrigation can introduce harmful substances into the food chain, potentially causing long-term health issues for the population.

The environmental crisis in Gaza is closely linked to a growing public health emergency. The lack of proper burial facilities for the high number of casualties has led to unconventional and often unsanitary disposal of human remains. Bodies left exposed in the rubble, or hastily buried in mass graves, pose significant health risks. The decomposition process releases bacteria and other pathogens which contaminate soil, groundwater, food, and water resources.

The breakdown of sanitation infrastructure has resulted in a proliferation of disease vectors. Accumulated waste attracts vermin and insects, spreading pathogens throughout the population. The overcrowded living conditions in temporary shelters, combined with limited access to clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene products, have resulted in rapid spread of skin and other infectious diseases.

Pollutants released from destroyed infrastructure, including potentially toxic substances from damaged industrial facilities, can have lasting impacts on human health. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to the effects of environmental toxins, which can impair cognitive development and lead to chronic health issues.

The environmental crisis also has significant social and economic implications. The degradation of natural resources can exacerbate poverty and social inequality, as communities lose access to traditional livelihoods based on agriculture and fishing. The potential for displacement due to uninhabitable conditions could lead to further social upheaval and strain on resources in neighbouring areas.

The scale and nature of the environmental destruction in Gaza have led some experts to classify these actions as ‘ecocide’. This term, while not yet formally recognised in international law, refers to severe and widespread damage to the environment. The Rome Statute and the Geneva Conventions include provisions that address environmental damage during armed conflict, particularly when such damage is excessive in relation to the concrete and direct anticipated military advantage.

The situation in Gaza underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental protection. It highlights the interconnectedness of environmental, climate, humanitarian, and human rights issues and the need for incorporating them into the charge-sheet against the aggressors.

The concept of ecocide raises important legal and ethical questions about accountability for environmental damage. It challenges the international community to consider the long-term ecological consequences of military actions and the responsibility to protect not just human life but also make the aggressor pay for restoration of ecological services and rehabilitation of human settlements.

The Nuremberg Trials were an important response to the persecution of Jews in Germany, as they addressed crimes committed during the Holocaust and other atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis. These trials were the first instances where high-ranking civil and military officials were held accountable for their actions on an international stage.

The persecution of the Jewish community in Germany has come full circle. The time probably has arrived for the proposed OIC meeting to seek UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions to begin prosecution for this ecocide against the Israeli leadership.

Imaan Ali Sheikh is a law graduate from the University of London.

Ali Tauqeer Sheikh is a climate change and sustainable development expert.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024