Mysterious Foul Odor Plagues Gaza, Residents Suspect Israeli 'Skunk' Liquid

Residents across the Gaza Strip are grappling with a recurring, foul, sewage-like stench that has added to the ongoing hardships in the region. Saber Zaquot, a resident of Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, described waking up to the pervasive smell, initially fearing it originated from within his home. "We became anxious and thought the smell might be coming from the bathroom, or even from the children while they were asleep," Mr Zaqout told The National. "We checked everything several times but could not find the source." His experience was not isolated; social media revealed widespread reports of the same odor from both southern and northern Gaza.

Civil defence teams have also repeatedly noted the foul smell in recent weeks, according to spokesman Mahmoud Basal. The odor has caused significant confusion and anxiety among residents, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and the sick. Mr Basal stated, "Many residents have complained about these foul odours, particularly children, the elderly and the sick."

Suspicion has fallen on Israeli forces, with the civil defence believing they are responsible. Mr Basal claimed that aircraft had been used to disperse the odor, referencing past incidents where Israel allegedly used a foul-smelling liquid, known as "The Skunk," to disperse Palestinian protesters. This substance, developed by an Israeli company, has been described as smelling like a mixture of sewage and decomposing flesh, and was reportedly used during the Great March of Return demonstrations in 2018 and protests in Sheikh Jarrah.

Moamen Abu Jayyab, a resident of Al Tawam area in northern Gaza, reported first noticing the smell about six weeks ago. "Every now and then, we wake up in the morning to an extremely foul smell, similar to the smell of toilets and sewage," he told The National. Initially, residents suspected issues with the camp's toilets or sewerage system, but found no problems. The smell persisted even when Mr Abu Jayyab left the camp, indicating its widespread nature.

Rumors quickly spread, attributing the odor to the Israeli military. While initially uncertain, Mr Abu Jayyab later saw social media posts and statements from Gaza civil defence that pointed to Israeli involvement.

Gazan authorities have been unable to definitively identify the substance due to a lack of necessary laboratory equipment, according to Ayman Al Ramlawi, director of the Environment Health and Occupational Safety Department at the Ministry of Health. "We can’t reach a definitive conclusion about the substance without laboratory analysis," he said.

Mr Al Ramlawi warned of potential environmental and public health impacts from exposure to unidentified airborne substances. "The use of such substances and gases undoubtedly has an impact on the environment in the Gaza Strip and on the health of residents, particularly those with weakened immune systems and those suffering from respiratory illnesses," he cautioned.

For residents like Mr Abu Jayyab, the recurring smell exacerbates the distress of displacement and insecurity, particularly after years of conflict. "The smell is extremely distressing and the worst thing is waking up to find it in the air," he said.