Unveiling Gaza's Dire Water Crisis: A Shocking Reality

Millions of Palestinians are facing the severe risk of dehydration and waterborne diseases, according to United Nations officials. The ongoing water crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by Israel's refusal to provide essential supplies following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.

The UN reported that the only operational desalination plant and wastewater treatment plant in Gaza had to shut down due to fuel shortages. On Monday, Israel briefly turned on a single water line in the southern part of Gaza, but the UN relief agency confirmed that this supply only met the needs of 14% of the population.

Except for individuals residing in Khan Younis, Gaza, where the water supply has been restored, the United Nations reported a decline in average water consumption in the region to three liters per person per day. The Palestinian Water Authority confirms that Gazans have long been deprived of anything beyond the minimum requirement of water access, which the World Health Organization specifies as a range of 50 to 100 liters per person per day.

The remaining entry point for Gaza, the Rafah crossing, is closed, preventing aid from reaching millions of people. At the Egyptian border, numerous trucks are waiting to enter. The US has been urging Egypt to establish a humanitarian corridor for Gazan civilians and foreigners, but Egypt has reported no progress in opening it. Additionally, Israel has denied any arrangements for its opening.

Even prior to the current conflict, residents of Gaza have been confronted with a severe water shortage. The majority of their water is sourced from the Coastal Aquifer, which suffers from over-extraction, saltwater intrusion, and sewage infiltration. This critical water source is on the brink of collapse and up to 96% of it is unsuitable for human consumption due to its high salinity and contamination.

According to a WHO spokesperson, individuals have turned to consuming seawater, which is both highly saline and polluted with untreated sewage. The UN reports that fuel shortages and perilous airstrikes have resulted in the suspension of water truck operations, while bottled water is scarce and expensive. As a solution, many people now rely on private vendors who operate small desalination facilities predominantly powered by solar energy.

In 2021, approximately 90% of Gaza's water was sourced from groundwater wells, as reported by the Palestinian Water Authority. The remaining 10% of the water supply is obtained through desalination plants or procured from Israel's national water company, Mekorot.