War and environmental health in Gaza

Many people have lost their lives, families or homes since the beginning of the current conflict in the Gaza Strip in October 2023.The conflict is a devastating humanitarian crisis in many aspects, including environmentally, which is usually less visible and more challenging to comprehend amidst the ongoing suffering.Environment, in a broader sense, could be both a risk factor and the victim of conflicts, but it could also provide a means to build peace.Wars and armed conflicts have multiple, compound and overlapping environmental effects that threaten ecosystems, health, livelihoods, and sustainable development through their regional and global impact.Environmental impact may result from the toxic hazards from damaged infrastructure, effects of weapons and munitions, population displacement, and the disruption of water, sanitation and waste management systems.It could also arise from the deliberate targeting of natural resources and the use of destructive means to finance conflicts and war (1).