Struggling with persistent power outages in the conflict-shattered Gaza Strip, Ayesh Nassar, a 43-year-old resident of Jabalia refugee camp, found himself faced with a difficult dilemma. With an ongoing electricity blackout following Israel’s offensive on Gaza, Nassar resorted to using an old, damaged battery to illuminate his family’s tent at night. The exorbitant prices of new batteries, with a 100-amp battery costing over 5,000 Israeli shekels, were simply out of reach for him on his modest government salary.
Amidst the chaos and destruction in Gaza, where Israel’s efforts to disband Hamas have left thousands dead and infrastructure in ruins, access to basic necessities like electricity has become a luxury. The conflict has not only displaced the population repeatedly but also severely limited the flow of essential supplies into the region. The situation has forced many Gazans to rely on old or reconditioned batteries for power, despite the risks they pose to health and safety.
The Struggle for Power in Gaza
As the only power plant in Gaza operates sporadically due to fuel shortages and technical issues, families have turned to alternative power sources like batteries charged by solar panels or generators. However, this makeshift solution comes at a high cost, both financially and physically. Nassar, who once had a solar energy system in his home before the war, now finds himself struggling to keep his family’s tent illuminated with a subpar battery.
Yusuf Al-Shawa, another resident of Gaza City, shared a similar predicament, unable to afford a new battery due to inflated prices in the midst of the conflict. The escalating costs of essential items have left many like Al-Shawa with limited options, forcing them to make do with old, unreliable batteries for basic lighting needs. The risks of explosions and health hazards associated with these makeshift power sources loom large over the war-weary population.
The Health Hazards of Battery Reliance
With new batteries becoming scarce due to the Israeli blockade, many in Gaza have turned to repairing and reusing old batteries as a desperate measure. Sami Al-Sharif, who runs a battery repair workshop in Gaza City, highlighted the health risks associated with this practice. Lead poisoning, blood poisoning, and other serious health issues have become all too common among those working with and relying on old batteries for power.
Despite the dangers, the lack of safety standards and oversight in the battery repair industry in Gaza leaves workers like Louay Al-Saouy vulnerable to long-term health consequences. The toxic substances present in batteries pose a severe risk to the population, with lead, cadmium, mercury, and lithium exposure leading to neurological problems, kidney failure, immune system disorders, and even death. Children, in particular, are at heightened risk due to their vulnerability to lead exposure.
Unsafe disposal and recycling of batteries further compound the health risks faced by Gazans, as the toxic materials contained within the batteries pose a significant danger to the environment and public health. While there are no official statistics on the number of people affected by battery-related diseases, the informal collection and processing of damaged batteries violate environmental standards and pose a severe threat to the well-being of the population.
In conclusion, the dire situation in Gaza, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and limited access to essential supplies, has forced residents to resort to hazardous measures for basic power needs. The health risks associated with reliance on old and recycled batteries highlight the urgent need for safe and sustainable solutions to the power crisis in the region. As Gaza continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of conflict, the international community must prioritize the well-being of its residents and work towards a lasting solution to the power crisis.
