Full Breakdown
UNDP Initiates Cleanup of Major Waste Dump in Gaza City
2/12/2026, 6:36:27 AM
Overview of the Cleanup Effort
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has commenced the clearing of a significant wartime waste dump that has overtaken the historic Fras Market in Gaza City, posing serious environmental and health risks. This initiative began on February 10, 2026, as part of an emergency response to a solid waste crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023. The waste dump, which has accumulated over 300,000 cubic meters of garbage, is approximately 13 meters high and has resulted from municipal crews being unable to access Gaza's main landfill in the Juhr al-Dik area, now under Israeli control.
Health and Environmental Concerns
Alessandro Mrakic, head of the UNDP Gaza Office, emphasized the urgency of relocating the waste to a new temporary site in the Abu Jarad area, which is designed to meet environmental standards. The site spans 75,000 square meters and aims to facilitate daily waste collection while mitigating health risks. Local residents, including elderly Gazan Abu Issa, have expressed concerns about the health implications of the dump, stating, "It will cause us gases, it will cause us diseases, it will cause us germs."
Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, highlighted the dump's role in exacerbating health issues and environmental degradation, noting that its removal could symbolize progress towards peace following the ceasefire agreed upon in October 2023.
Progress and Challenges
Since the onset of the conflict, the UNDP has collected over 570,000 tons of solid waste across Gaza. However, the number of operational temporary dumpsites has decreased from 141 to 56, with only 10 to 12 currently accessible. The UNDP has indicated that Gaza's two main sanitary landfills remain inaccessible, leaving critical public health and environmental risks unresolved.
The relocation project is funded by the Humanitarian Fund and the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. UNDP's efforts aim not only to address the immediate waste crisis but also to support the recovery and economic activity in Gaza City.
Official Statements & Responses
The Gaza Municipality confirmed its collaboration with the UNDP on this urgent cleanup effort, recognizing the need to contain the worsening solid waste crisis. Mrakic stated that the project is essential for restoring safe waste management practices in the region.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the UNDP has reported significant waste collection efforts, discrepancies exist regarding the accessibility of temporary dumpsites and the overall effectiveness of the cleanup initiative. The ongoing conflict continues to hinder comprehensive waste management solutions in Gaza.
Verbatim Quotes
- "It needs to be moved to a site with a complex of old waste, far away from people. There’s no other solution." — Alessandro Mrakic, Head of UNDP Gaza Office
- "It is a symbol of the war that continued for two years." — Amjad al-Shawa, Head of Palestinian NGOs Network
- "Its removal may give people a sense of hope that the ceasefire is moving forward." — Amjad al-Shawa, Head of Palestinian NGOs Network
