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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/hkajea11xp
Gaza Wastewater Treatment Plant Collapse Sends Sewage to Israeli Shores
(Ynet News) Matan Tzuri - The North Gaza Emergency Sewage Treatment Plant (NGEST), the largest of five sewage treatment facilities run by Hamas in Gaza, recently stopped operating due to overload. The facility could absorb 43,000 cubic meters of sewage per day, but the plant was receiving 51,000 cubic meters. This was due to population growth, more available water, and more Gazans connecting to sewage systems. Hamas, which controls Gaza, did not make the necessary adjustments. As a result, the Palestinians diverted the wastewater to the Mediterranean Sea and the Hanoun River, which runs through the area of the Israeli community of Netiv HaAsara in the northwest Negev and the Erez Crossing. This has created a serious environmental hazard for Israel as the sewage reaches Israeli shores. Israel's southernmost Zikim Beach was closed more than two weeks ago. If there is no change, the next step will be to close the beaches of Ashkelon. Meanwhile, the Israel Water Authority is currently pumping Gaza wastewater from the Hanoun River to the wastewater treatment facility shared by Sderot and the communities of the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council.