Thirst and Hunger: Gaza's Water Crisis Amidst Conflict

In the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip, a severe water crisis is compounding the hardships of its residents. Weakened by hunger, Gazans navigate a shattered landscape daily to fetch inadequate supplies of drinking and washing water, far below the levels needed for health. Aid groups warn that the crisis is as dire as the hunger situation.

While some limited relief is provided by desalination units, most water is sourced from wells in a contaminated aquifer, worsening health conditions with rising cases of diarrhoea and hepatitis. Despite claims by COGAT of operating two water pipelines, local officials report interruptions and infrastructure severely damaged during the conflict.

Palestinians are forced to ration water amid the scarcity, often involving children in lengthy queues to secure supplies. Aid interventions, including a planned UAE-funded pipeline, are progressing, but agencies like Oxfam and UNICEF emphasize the urgent need for ceasefire and unrestricted aid access to avert worsening health emergencies.

(With inputs from agencies.)