GAZA CITY — The inhabitants of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, in eastern Gaza City, were stunned by the flood of wastewater invading their homes on Nov. 14, causing extensive damage to property. This came approximately two days after the area’s treatment plant went out of commission as a result of the worsening electricity crisis and the lack of fuel needed to keep the plant in operation.

Gazans have been facing the catastrophic effects of 18-hour-a-day power outages on basic human rights, particularly their economic and social rights, according to a study published by the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights.

The power crisis has been growing worse since Egypt launched its security campaign against tunnels that lie along the border with Gaza, which constituted an essential source of fuel used to operate Gaza’s only functioning power station. The power crisis also worsened when Egyptian authorities halted the export of Qatari fuel to Gaza for security reasons.

Sewage water rose in the aforementioned neighborhood by nearly 110 centimeters (3 1/4 feet) as observed by Al-Monitor, flooding its alleys and streets. Dozens of students missed school as they were unable to traverse roads submerged in wastewater. Other students, however, chose to climb over walls and other obstacles in order not to miss classes.