Surfers in Gaza hit the waves as hazardous marine pollution ends - in pictures

Authorities declared the beach safe after years of warnings

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  A Palestinian surfer rides a wave off the Gaza City coast. All photos by AFP

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  Palestinian surfer Sabah Abu Ghanem trains with her brother off the Gaza shore.

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  Palestinians in Gaza are rediscovering the pleasure of the sea after authorities declared the beach safe following many years of warnings due to hazardous marine pollution.

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  Six months ago, a German-funded plant began operating in central Gaza, and now treats 60,000 cubic metres of wastewater a day, which is half the enclave's sewage output.

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  Ms Abu Ghanem comes in from the sea after time spent surfing.

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  Marine pollution had worsened in recent years off the Gaza coast as the enclave's lack of wastewater solutions turn the sea into a dump.

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  Palestinian surfers rides a wave in Gaza City.

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