الأراضي المقدسة الخضراء / GHLands
Al-Maghazi, Gaza Strip – Large quantities of an unidentified substance have flooded streets and residential neighborhoods in the eastern part of Al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, sparking growing concerns among residents over its nature and potential health and environmental impacts.
According to local sources, the substance began emerging from underground openings and tunnels following large-scale pumping operations beneath the ground. Witnesses reported hearing the sound of powerful pumps operating underground shortly before the material surfaced and rapidly spread across residential areas.
Residents described the substance as having a color and texture similar to cement. However, unlike conventional construction materials, it does not appear to harden and remains sticky, making movement difficult and obstructing access to several streets and roads. The spread of the material has also hindered the movement of vehicles, including ambulances and emergency services attempting to reach affected areas.
Mahmoud Abu Shahada, a local resident, said the substance filled streets and alleyways within a short period of time, making it extremely difficult for people to move around on foot. He added that the material seeped into several low-lying homes near the border area, causing damage to residents’ belongings and adding to their hardship.
For his part, Taysir Abdul Jawad, Mukhtar of Ard Al-Masdar neighborhood, noted that some residents initially believed the substance could be used as a construction material, particularly given the severe shortage of building supplies in Gaza. However, they later discovered that it lacked the known properties of cement and failed to solidify, prompting warnings against handling or coming into direct contact with it.
As the substance continued to spread, Al-Maghazi Municipality issued warnings about its potential environmental and public health consequences. Mohammed Al-Khatib, Director of the Municipality’s Technical Department, stated that municipal teams are closely monitoring the situation and conducting preliminary inspections of sewage networks and infrastructure to assess possible contamination or blockages resulting from the material.
Al-Khatib also revealed that the municipality had received complaints from several families reporting unusual health symptoms among children after contact with the substance, including skin irritation and severe itching. These reports have heightened concerns that the material may contain chemical compounds capable of causing long-term environmental and health damage.
Calls are mounting for urgent laboratory testing to determine the composition and origin of the substance and to assess its potential impact on soil quality and groundwater resources in the Gaza Strip, which is already facing significant environmental challenges.
Residents of the affected areas have urged relevant authorities and international organizations to intervene promptly, investigate the incident, and take the necessary measures to protect public health and mitigate any environmental risks associated with the continued spread of the unidentified material.
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