COGAT Reports Four More Sewage-Pumping Trucks Entering Gaza Before Winter Rains

Original report

Four additional sewage-pumping trucks entered the Gaza Strip through the International Committee of the Red Cross this week, COGAT said on November 6. The Israeli coordination agency disclosed the deliveries as part of intensified sanitation work ahead of expected rainfall. The four vacuum trucks joined eight that entered during the preceding month, according to COGAT. The agency said it was “preparing Gaza for the winter season.” Its account described the vehicles as part of a wider effort to improve hygiene and sanitation conditions across the territory in coordination with the international community. COGAT said the work includes sewage pumping, weekly waste removal from 11 designated disposal sites, and continuing repairs and upgrades to water and sewage infrastructure. It named the Board of Peace, the United Nations and international organizations as partners in advancing water, sanitation and hygiene projects and strengthening essential infrastructure. The statement did not identify the disposal sites or give a new completion deadline. The disclosure follows a November 1 statement in which COGAT said more than 10,000 tents and more than 360 trucks carrying winter equipment had entered Gaza in the preceding week. That earlier account also described maintenance of water and sewage networks and approval of more than 70 requests covering thousands of trucks. Those approvals were distinct from the equipment deliveries it reported.