Gaza beaches safe for swimming after many years of warnings
Many of Gaza beaches, some of the besieged enclave's only recreational options, are safe for swimmers following a series of projects to clean up the sea.
For many years, local municipalities have warned Gaza's beachgoers against swimming in the ocean due to the pollution from wastewater being dumped directly to the sea without treatment due to long hours of power cuts.
However, on May 29, the Water and Environment Quality Authority announced that currently, 65% of Gaza's beaches are safe for swimmers. It said it has teams monitoring the water quality in coordination with the Health Ministry, the Ministry of Local Government and the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility.
Amid dire economic conditions, restrictions on movement and soaring unemployment rates, the beach is one of the only outlets for thousands of Gazans to unwind. For the first time in many years, Gazan beachgoers will be able to enjoy it without seeing the red flags that so often warn them away from the water.
Dalia Mushtaha, who was sitting with her children on the beach, told Al-Monitor, “The sea is so beautiful this season. The water is crystal blue and clean. I have never seen it this wonderful before. The beach is the only place we can go to spend the summer, with the high temperatures and ongoing power outages.”
