Summary
The destruction of water infrastructure in Gaza has led to a severe lack of access to clean water for the population, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. As a result of ongoing conflict and military actions, a significant portion of the population is left without reliable sources of safe drinking water, contributing to widespread health issues.
In March 2024, reports indicated that 95 percent of Gaza’s population had been without access to clean water for months. Currently, individuals receive only 1.5 to 1.8 liters of water per day, starkly below the World Health Organization’s recommended daily allowance of 100 liters. The destruction of water wells—over 700 have been reported as destroyed—along with the ongoing siege and military actions, has rendered much of the water infrastructure inoperative. Many residents resort to drinking unpotable salty water and bathing in the sea, leading to increased risks of waterborne diseases and further public health crises.
Impact on Health
The lack of clean water has resulted in the spread of contagious diseases among Gaza’s population. An estimated 1.7 million people have been infected with various diseases due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene conditions. The denial of medical supplies and clean water has severely endangered the lives of chronically ill patients, further straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system.
Humanitarian Crisis
The situation is compounded by the systematic denial of humanitarian aid, which has left millions facing severe food insecurity. Approximately 96 percent of Gaza’s population is experiencing a lack of food, with one in five Palestinians facing starvation. This combination of food scarcity and lack of clean water creates a compounded humanitarian crisis that requires urgent international attention and intervention.
One year of Israel’s war on Gaza – by the numbers
Oct. 8 / Al Jazeera / Calls attention to the staggering statistics of casualties and health crises in Gaza, providing a comprehensive overview of the humanitarian disaster exacerbated by the destruction of water infrastructure. The depth of detail regarding the impact on health, particularly the spread of contagious diseases, is particularly striking. It frames the ongoing conflict within a historical context, enhancing its authority. However, the heavy focus on numbers may overshadow personal narratives, limiting emotional engagement. “ It has been one year since Israel began its genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel’s assault on Gaza began on October 7, in response to an attack by...