Severe environmental damage in GazaCEFR A2
6 Nov 2025
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Emad El Byed, Unsplash
A ceasefire was signed and humanitarian organisations are scaling up to reach families facing famine after nearly two years of bombardment and blockade. Masum Mahbub, CEO of Human Concern USA, says the destruction is one of the most severe environmental disasters of the 21st century. He describes flattened neighbourhoods, poisoned soil, and contaminated water and air.
Mahbub says Gaza had made some progress in climate resilience, with rooftop solar and water plans, but these gains have been erased. He points to the annihilation of nearly 70 percent of Gaza’s agricultural land, the razing of olive groves, the obliteration of water pipelines and the destruction of all five wastewater treatment plants. Pumping seawater into tunnels risks saline poisoning of Gaza’s only significant aquifer, the main source of drinking water for over two million people.
Difficult words
- destroy — to damage something very badly.destroyed
- hunger — the feeling of needing food.
- effort — an attempt to do something.Efforts
- clean — to remove dirt or mess.
- rebuild — to build something again after it was damaged.
- environment — the natural world around us.
- problems — difficult situations that need solutions.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is it important to rebuild both people and the environment?
- How can hunger affect people's lives in Gaza?
- What are some challenges people face after a disaster?
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