UNICEF: Israel blocks Gaza stormwater basin repairs, raising flood and disease risk

UNICEF reported that Israel blocked repairs to Gaza’s Sheikh Radwan stormwater basin, warning of flooding and disease risks for nearby residents. The facility is contaminated with sewage and could overflow after heavy rainfall. UNICEF’s James Elder said a $3 million repair plan, developed with Israeli authorities and US officials over a year, was rejected by COGAT on security grounds. Heavy rain has already flooded tens of thousands of tents, killing four people, including three children. The US-brokered ceasefire has stalled over disarmament and troop withdrawal terms. WHO warned of significant disease risks from flooding and poor sanitation, with nearly 1 million displaced people facing medium or high flood risk.