Ramallah (UNA/WAFA) – The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, in a joint statement with the Environment Quality Authority, said that carbon emissions resulting from the Israeli occupation’s aggression on the Gaza Strip amounted to 33.2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a huge number equivalent to the total annual emissions of some countries.
The statement, issued on the occasion of World Environment Day on Thursday, explained that these emissions are equivalent to what about 7.6 million gasoline-powered cars produce in a whole year, and what forests covering an area of 133 square kilometers could produce.2 Its absorption from carbon dioxide within one year.
The statement indicated that this catastrophic cost is distributed between direct military operations that caused the emission of approximately 1.9 One million tons, and the carbon cost before and after the aggression, related to removing rubble and rebuilding destroyed facilities and homes.
Water tanker prices in Gaza have sharply increased by over 600%
The statement noted that the destruction of water networks in the Gaza Strip has led to a sharp rise in water prices, especially for water distributed by tankers, with the price of a cup of water rising to about 211 shekels in 2025 compared to 30 shekels in 2023, reflecting the worsening water crisis and the economic burden on citizens..
Widespread destruction of Gaza's sewage infrastructure and a growing threat For public health
The Gaza Strip is also witnessing a near-total collapse of its sewage system as a result of damage to more than 90% of the infrastructure and the destruction of all treatment plants, in addition to widespread destruction of networks (approximately 1,545 km) and 47 pumping stations. With the continued power and fuel outages, services have completely stopped, leading to the flow of sewage in the streets, increased environmental and health risks, and the spread of diseases..
Environmental pollution in Gaza has worsened with the escalating waste and rubble crisis.
The Gaza Strip is suffering from severe environmental degradation due to the accumulation of approximately 710 tons of household waste and more than 60 million tons of rubble resulting from the destruction of over 330 housing units. This is compounded by the near-total collapse of the waste collection system and the destruction of 90% of municipal equipment, leading to widespread pollution and disease, exacerbating the environmental crisis, and complicating recovery efforts..
86% of agricultural land in the Gaza Strip destroyed
A recent report by the United Nations Satellite Centre (INCORPORATEDBy the end of June 2025, the Israeli offensive had caused widespread destruction of the agricultural sector in Gaza, with approximately 86% of agricultural land destroyed as a result of bombing, bulldozing, and the movement of military vehicles. Even higher levels of destruction were recorded in some areas, with the destruction rate in northern Gaza reaching 94%. This rapid and ongoing collapse of the agricultural sector reflects a direct and serious threat to the food security of more than two million people in the Gaza Strip..
Escalating Israeli environmental violations threaten ecosystems in the West Bank
The statement indicated that 2025 witnessed a significant escalation in Israeli environmental violations in the West Bank, with 685 violations recorded compared to 535 in 2024, and 310 violations recorded up to the end of April 2026. This reflects the increasing assaults on the Palestinian environment. These violations ranged from the bulldozing of agricultural land and the destruction of trees to the discharge of wastewater and the dumping of waste, in addition to damage to infrastructure, leading to a growing deterioration of ecosystems and threatening the sustainability of natural resources..
He added: The State of Palestine continues its commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, by strengthening the preparation and implementation of national reports, foremost among them the Nationally Determined Contributions report. (NDCs)As a key tool for guiding climate action, promoting adaptation, supporting national policies and attracting green investments.
He added: Despite the escalating environmental and climate challenges, Palestine's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions remains extremely limited, estimated at less than 0.01% of total global emissions—a negligible percentage compared to major industrialized nations. Nevertheless, Palestine is among the most vulnerable regions to the repercussions of climate change. This reality reflects a state of "climate injustice," where Palestine bears the brunt of a global climate crisis despite its minimal contribution to causing it..
The joint statement concluded by noting that the Environmental Quality Authority had signed contracts to support environmental and agricultural initiatives for a number of institutions, with the aim of promoting resilience and sustainable development, protecting biodiversity, adapting to climate change, and empowering local communities.
The statement explained that nine institutions were supported within these initiatives, as part of efforts to strengthen environmental work at the local level. The number of environmental clubs in West Bank schools also increased to 851 during the 2025/2026 academic year, compared to 591 previously, representing an increase of 260 clubs, or 44%, reflecting growing environmental awareness among students.
He pointed out that the electrical capacity of solar cells in Palestine will rise to 400 megawatts by the end of 2025, compared to 300 megawatts in 2023, constituting about 8% of the total electricity, within the framework of the trend towards promoting clean energy and energy security.
In the same context, a joint project between the water and energy sectors was funded with $620, which aims to prepare feasibility studies and draw up a roadmap for investment in solar energy systems for priority water sector facilities.
The statement also noted the continuation of work within the twinning project in cooperation with a Lithuanian-Austrian coalition, which includes preparing a draft of the new environmental law under the name “Environmental Law within the Framework of Sustainable Development,” which enhances the environmental system in accordance with international standards, in addition to developing a guide to integrate the environmental dimension and climate change into various sectors, including agriculture, local governance and water.
He noted that the Local Authorities Development and Lending Fund was designated as the national entity for direct access to funding from the Green Climate Fund in 2026, in addition to Palestine’s recent accession to the Adaptation Fund, a specialized international financial mechanism aimed at promoting climate resilience.
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