IMF, World Bank & IFI Round-Up

The World Bank says there are growing signs of a severe public health crisis in Gaza because of a shortage of drinking water and an escalating failure of the sewage system. The Bank issued the statement Jan. 7, based on data from the local water authority in Gaza. The Bank called on the Israeli government to allow enough fuel into Gaza to operate some 170 water and sewage pumps in Gaza. The Bank also asked that Israel restore regular electricity supply as soon as possible to reduce dependence on fuel for generators. Failure of the lake structure would put the about 10,000 residents of the surrounding area in danger of drowning and spark a larger environmental and public health disaster, the Bank said.