Palestinians returning to ‘toxic wasteland’ in northern Gaza

Rubbish flooding the streets of Gaza City is creating new health risks, residents say.

Displaced Palestinians returning to northern Gaza have found once-bustling cities reduced to toxic wastelands, according to residents and aid agencies.

Shocked by the level of destruction, Gaza City residents are calling for action over a building sanitation crisis in the enclave’s largest city, Al Jazeera reported on Monday.

A scene of devastation has met those hoping to rebuild their lives in the northern reaches of the enclave, the focus of the most concentrated Israeli military action during the war. The dangers posed by damaged buildings are matched by missing public services and streets filled with heaps of rubbish.

Last month’s ceasefire deal prompted a rush by displaced people to return to the north. However, Gaza City remains without running water or reliable power.

Towns are lacking basic services like water and healthcare, said Tess Ingram of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).