Gaza City, Palestine – A severe water crisis is gripping the Gaza Strip, with residents facing dwindling access to clean drinking water due to damage to critical infrastructure sustained during ongoing conflict. International aid organizations are warning of an imminent public health crisis if urgent repairs aren’t made and supplies aren't replenished.

According to UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, damage to pipelines and pumping stations has crippled Gaza’s already fragile water supply. The situation is particularly acute in the heavily impacted areas of Rafah and Khan Younis, where large displacement camps have swelled, placing enormous strain on limited resources.

“We are seeing a rapid deterioration of the water situation,” says Dr. Amina Khalil, a medical coordinator with Doctors Without Borders operating in Gaza. “People are being forced to rely on increasingly contaminated sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. We're already seeing a surge in these cases, especially amongst children and the elderly.”

Before the recent escalation, Gaza's 2.3 million residents already faced significant water scarcity due to years of blockade and limited access to potable water. Approximately 97% of the groundwater is unfit for human consumption, and the territory heavily relies on water purchased from Israel and Egypt. The current conflict has severely disrupted these supplies, with border crossings frequently closed or operating with limited capacity.

“The situation is dire. Families are rationing what little water they have, and many are forced to travel long distances to find even a meager supply,” reports Sarah Jenkins, a spokesperson for Oxfam. “We need immediate access to repair critical infrastructure and deliver emergency water and sanitation supplies.”

International aid organizations are appealing for increased funding and unimpeded access to Gaza to address the growing crisis. They warn that without swift action, the lack of clean water will exacerbate the already devastating humanitarian situation and contribute to long-term health problems for the population. The UN estimates that over 80% of Gazans are now reliant on humanitarian aid to meet their basic needs, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable solution to the water crisis and a lasting peace in the region.