Gaza: Water Scarcity Worsens Humanitarian Crisis

In Gaza, the water crisis is escalating alongside the food crisis, according to humanitarian organizations. After 22 months of Israeli military campaign, residents face severe water shortages, forcing them to travel long distances to find drinking water.

Many water sources are contaminated with sewage and chemicals, causing diarrhea and hepatitis. COGAT, the Israeli military agency, reports managing water pipelines to Gaza, but Palestinian officials deny this. Water infrastructure has been severely damaged, and pumps operate with generators due to fuel shortages.

23-year-old Moaz Muhaymar is forced to wait in line for hours to secure water for his family. The United Nations sets the minimum water consumption level at 15 liters per day, while in Gaza the average consumption is 3-5 liters. Waterborne diseases are increasing rapidly. Oxfam stresses the need for a ceasefire and unhindered access for aid services.

Danis Malis from the Norwegian Refugee Council points out that people carefully ration water for drinking and hygiene. Children often undertake water collection. A new pipeline funded by the United Arab Emirates is under construction. UNICEF's James Elder emphasizes that starvation and dehydration are direct consequences of the conflict.