Environmental humanitarianism in the occupied Palestinian territories

As world leaders gathered for COP28 in the UAE over the past two weeks, so too did protestors calling for “climate decolonisation” and a ceasefire in Gaza. At the time of writing, the death toll in Gaza now stands at 18,000, over 70 percent of whom are women and children.

Given the vast loss of life and devastation, it feels strange to be thinking and writing about the environment at this time. Indeed, an immediate ceasefire must be agreed to ensure the safety of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. When humanitarian suffering is so vast, and people are struggling for survival, environmental issues are understandably sidelined.

We suggest, however, that the vast and long-reaching environmental consequences are also a humanitarian concern, and thus must remain on the agenda.