A N A LY S I S The blockade, economic hard­ship and repeated military at­tacks have left Gaza in a state of perpetual crisis. The ongo­ing war has worsened this cri­sis, causing severe and poten­tially irreversible damage to the environment, public health systems and infrastructure. PEACE AND SECURITY RECONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENT The war has led to soil conta­mination and the destruction of agricultural lands, the col­lapse of essential water and sanitation services and air pol­lution from toxic emissions. Palestinian Perspectives on the Reconstruction of Gaza September 2021 Ahmed H. Hilles November 2024 An international environmen­tal fact-finding committee is needed to assess the damage and lay the basis for environ­mental restoration and long­term recovery. Key priorities include a ceasefire, rehabili­tating critical infrastructure, guanranteeing food and wa­ter security, and restoring en­vironmental health and public health care, while ensuring community partici­pation throughout.