Gaza’s water infrastructure is in a critical state, leaving countless Palestinians unable to obtain clean water.
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted vital water and sanitation systems, resulting in significant humanitarian repercussions.
Without prompt action, the situation is poised to deteriorate further, endangering more lives through disease, dehydration, and malnutrition.
The Effects of Conflict on Gaza’s Water Resources
The recent hostilities have inflicted substantial damage on Gaza’s water infrastructure, depriving millions of access to safe drinking water.
The destruction of pipelines, wastewater treatment facilities, and desalination plants has forced residents to rely on water truck deliveries, which are grossly inadequate.
Reports from the World Bank and Ipsos indicate that by August 2024, nearly 85% of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure had been either destroyed or damaged.
Implications of Water Shortage
The scarcity of water carries severe implications. The absence of clean water has resulted in an increase in diseases such as cholera and severe gastrointestinal infections.
Additionally, dehydration and malnutrition have led to a troubling rise in mortality rates.
Human Rights Watch has indicated that the restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on water supply to Gaza have likely played a role in thousands of fatalities.
Health and Humanitarian Issues
Medical experts and humanitarian organizations have underscored the gravity of the crisis.
A letter from 99 American doctors and nurses to the Biden administration in October 2023 projected that malnutrition alone has resulted in over 60,000 deaths.
The interplay of limited water access, food shortages, and insufficient medical supplies has culminated in an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.
Challenges in Restoring Gaza’s Water Infrastructure
A significant obstacle to the restoration of Gaza’s water infrastructure is the restricted access to necessary repair materials.
The ongoing blockade has severely limited the importation of essential equipment, including spare parts for water treatment facilities and sanitation systems.
Furthermore, persistent electricity shortages have impeded the functioning of water pumps and desalination plants, exacerbating the existing crisis.
Israeli Limitations on Water and Electricity Supply
From October 2023 to September 2024, Israeli authorities enforced stringent limitations on the supply of water and electricity to Gaza.
They initially blocked and subsequently restricted fuel imports, which are vital for the operation of water pumps and sanitation systems.
Reports suggest that Israeli forces intentionally targeted water infrastructure, resulting in the destruction of four out of six wastewater treatment facilities in Gaza and obstructing necessary repair efforts.
Inconsistencies in Water Supply Reporting
Israeli While authorities asserted in December 2024 that pipelines were supplying an average of 107 liters of water per person in northern Gaza, 34 liters in central Gaza, and 20 liters in the southern region, these claims have been contradicted by reports from the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations.
Numerous sources have indicated that, during periods of conflict, the average daily water supply per individual in Gaza was merely between 2 to 9 letters significantly below the emergency minimum of 15 letters recommended by the UN.
A Call for Urgent and Sustainable Solutions
The rehabilitation of Gaza’s water infrastructure is a lengthy process that necessitates collaborative efforts from global donors, humanitarian agencies, and local governance.
Immediate priorities should include restoring electricity, importing necessary repair materials, and deploying water and sanitation specialists to reconstruct damaged facilities.
Interim Measures to Mitigate the Crisis
While the need for long-term reconstruction is critical, it is equally important to implement temporary solutions to offer immediate relief. These measures may consist of:
- Utilizing mobile desalination units to supply clean drinking water.
- Enhancing the distribution of bottled water and water purification tablets.
- Repairing damaged pipelines and wastewater treatment facilities wherever feasible.
Global Responsibility and Humanitarian Assistance
It is imperative for donor nations and humanitarian organizations to enhance their support to avert further loss of life. Beyond financial contributions, logistical assistance is vital for the prompt delivery of essential resources.
Governments around the world should advocate for Israeli authorities to lift restrictions on essential materials, expedite entry permits for aid personnel, and permit immediate repairs to commence without delay.
The international community bears a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that civilians in Gaza have access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities, as well as to develop long-term strategies that avert future crises.
Expert Editorial Comment
The destruction of Gaza’s water infrastructure has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, endangering the health and well-being of thousands who face the threats of disease, dehydration, and malnutrition.
If immediate action is not taken, the situation will only worsen. While prompt assistance is critical, the long-term restoration of infrastructure is the key to a lasting solution.
It is imperative for the global community to take decisive action now to restore and maintain access to clean water for the residents of Gaza.
