Ecocide in Palestine in the Time of Genocide

Ecocide highlights the severe destruction of the environment and ecosystems, disturbing the balance between humans and their relationship with the environment. It comprises both intentional and unintentional damage to the environment and society. Such impacts show in various forms, including climate instability, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and broader environmental crises (Higgins et al., 2013; White, 2018). This article critically examines the environmental and societal impacts of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, where the demolition of environment plays a substantial role in intensifying social and economic crisis. To provide a deeper understanding of the intersection between ecocide and genocide, the study will use the frameworks of environmental racism and environmental injustice. The study reveals how marginalized communities and families are disproportionately impacted by environmental destruction in Gaza. Additionally, the study analyzes how civil society, and citizens have responded to the ecocide actions committed by Israel, providing vision on how war-related environmental damage effects societal resilience and health of its citizen. The study argues that environmental issues in Gaza, such as water shortage, pollution, water contamination, and land degradation, are underestimated specifically, over the past year. It concludes that the environmental destruction caused by Israel’s military and its government actions should be understood through ecocide and genocide studies to fully recognize their long-term consequences on environment of Palestine.