The latest round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict since October 7, 2023 has devastated infrastructure, flattened residential neighborhoods and left massive heaps of uncollected garbage in the Gaza Strip, posing a growing health threat to the local population. According to the United Nations Development Program, Gaza grappled with waste management issues even before the conflict, generating a staggering 1,700 tons of waste daily with only two main landfills to absorb the quantity. After over 15 months of fighting, the issue of solid waste management has become an urgent need in the enclave, requiring immediate support and solutions. Located in the center of the Gaza City, the Firas Market was once one of the region's largest open-air markets, but now it lies in ruin, reduced to a vast garbage dump. Piles of uncollected solid waste and unbearable stench force passersby to cover up their noses and keep their distance, while the vermin and insects breeding in the filth have sparked fears of disease outbreaks among local residents. He expressed frustration that despite repeated complaints to local authorities, garbage removal efforts have been hindered due to a lack of heavy machinery, fuel and manpower. Al-Nabih added that due to the prolonged accumulation of waste, the health department has already observed the spread of skin and intestinal diseases, particularly among children. The severe environmental crisis is putting many survivors of airstrikes and bombings at risk of illness and even death, with the threat growing as the delay in reaching a ceasefire agreement continues, he said. Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza have stagnated after the first phase came to an end on Saturday. Israel has demanded a demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and an end to Hamas' rule in order to move on to the next phase of the ceasefire deal that took effect in January. Shotlist: Gaza City, Gaza Strip - March 5, 2025: 1. Aerial shots of piled-up garbage in open-air market, pedestrians; 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) resident (name not given) (ending with shot 3): "The garbage piles here affect everyone, and given the densely packed population, the situation could get even worse. Anyone passing by could be exposed to diseases, and those living nearby are at even greater risk. The elderly and children are especially vulnerable to the potential spread of diseases."; 3. Aerial shot of garbage, pedestrians, traffic; 4. Pedestrians, garbage, traffic; 5. Various of destroyed machinery; 6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Asim al-Nabih, spokesman, Gaza Municipality: "Since the outbreak of the latest round of conflict, we have been doing everything we can to clear and remove as much garbage as possible. Unfortunately, our resources are severely limited. More than 85 percent of the heavy and medium-sized machinery used for waste management has been destroyed by Israeli military operations, and many related facilities have also been damaged. On top of that, the Israeli authorities have blocked municipal workers from transporting the waste to the landfill on the eastern outskirts of the city."; 7. Various of destroyed vehicles; sign reading "Gaza Hashem", "Gaza Municipality"; 8. Various of piled-up garbage, pedestrians; garbage removal in progress. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]