Water crisis grips Gaza as essential services are cut off

The crisis, which is exacerbated by ongoing attacks and a blockade imposed by the occupying forces, has left approximately 700,000 residents at risk, according to reports from Deir al-Balah and Gaza cities.

Since October 8, the occupying forces have cut off essential services including water, electricity, and food, worsening conditions in the region. Fuel shortages and raids have forced the closure of water treatment facilities and wells, leaving residents with no choice but to use contaminated water from local wells.

Concerns are mounting over the health impact, particularly on vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, and women, who are at risk of severe dehydration and diseases due to lack of clean drinking water.

"The water scarcity is reaching critical levels and poses a major health threat," warned the head of the Emergency Committee of Deir al-Balah Municipality, highlighting outbreaks of diseases among children as a result of the crisis.

International organizations and UN agencies are being urged to intervene urgently to address the escalating water crisis across Gaza. Currently, the water supply is estimated to be only 10% to 20% of its pre-attack levels, severely limiting residents' access to basic necessities.

The situation has forced Palestinian children to spend hours daily fetching water and food from distant locations, underscoring the dire conditions faced by Gaza's population amid infrastructure challenges and sewage threats. (ILKHA)