The Context
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, there is a rising discourse on the environmental impact of military actions, particularly with respect to the Gaza Strip. Recent Israeli military efforts to incapacitate Hamas tunnels with seawater have drawn scrutiny and criticism from international bodies.
Why It Matters
The environmental consequences of warfare are increasingly becoming a point of concern globally, influencing public opinion and international decision-making. The UN Human Rights Council has warned that Israel’s flooding of tunnels may lead to long-term environmental damage in Gaza, affecting local livelihoods. This view can potentially sway public sentiment and impact Israel’s counterterrorism tactics.
Environmental State of Gaza’s Water
In a 2015 UN conference, it was reported that 95% of Gaza’s groundwater is undrinkable due to issues such as overpumping, high chlorine levels, and ineffective water treatment by the Gazan authorities. Despite the transfer of water supply and sewage system responsibilities to Palestinian control, the situation has deteriorated, largely under Hamas governance. Palestinian water extraction has led to a harmful decline in the groundwater level and increased infiltration of seawater. As a result, the majority of the water in Gaza is now salinized and unsafe for consumption.
Israel’s Role and Response
Israel has been providing Gaza with water, even doubling its quota through a new pipeline in 2015, at a rate lower than what Israeli consumers pay. The accusation that Israel’s use of seawater to damage terror tunnels is environmentally destructive appears cynical and ignores the pre-existing water crisis in Gaza. The focus, according to the author, should instead be on the environmental damage caused by other regional conflicts, which has not received equivalent condemnation from UN institutions.
Opinion: Jewish Pride in the Face of Adversity
The resurgence of antisemitism is confronting Jewish communities worldwide, prompting discussions on identity and self-perception. As anti-Jewish sentiments rise, the author advocates for Jewish Pride—an empowered stance that emphasizes the strength and uniqueness of Jewish culture and heritage, rejecting external definitions of Jewish identity. This form of pride serves as a defense against the damaging effects of hate, maintaining a sense of dignity and self-worth within the Jewish community.
The Takeaway
While environmental considerations in military conflicts are essential, it is crucial to scrutinize all facts and contexts. In the case of Gaza, the existing water crisis predates the current military actions, calling into question the proportionality of criticism directed at Israel. Additionally, Jewish identity and pride are highlighted as crucial in countering the rise of antisemitism and shaping a strong, resilient community.
This story was first published on jpost.com.