JERUSALEM, 30 March, 2006 - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has revealed the results of the first major investigation into the environmental impact of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza last year. By and large, the UNEP scientific assessment report gives the Gaza pull-out an environmental clean bill of health.
Prepared at the request of the Palestinian Authority and with the cooperation of the Israeli government, the aim of the assessment was to provide a snapshot of the environmental conditions in the former settlement areas, and to identify any areas of immediate concern before resettlement and new construction takes place.
Using satellite imagery, earlier reports and feedback from Palestinian, Israeli and international sources prior to the disengagement, UNEP scientists identified approximately 100 areas of interest including industrial buildings, waste disposal sites, agricultural plants and storage tanks.