Hundreds of thousands of Gaza City residents are grappling with a critical shortage of clean water after Israel’s renewed military operations damaged a key water pipeline supplying the city. The situation, described by local authorities as a “real thirst crisis,” has drastically impacted daily life, leaving many residents to walk long distances for a basic supply of water.

Mekorot Pipeline Cut Off Amid Bombardment in Shejaia

The Mekorot pipeline, operated by Israel’s national water utility, had been supplying nearly 70% of Gaza City’s water, after most local wells were destroyed during the ongoing war. However, this vital pipeline was damaged during Israeli military action in the Shejaia neighborhood, where heavy bombardments and ground operations are currently underway.

The Israeli army launched an intensified offensive in Shejaia last week, instructing civilians to evacuate the area. It claimed the operations targeted “terror infrastructure” and reported the killing of a senior militant leader. However, civilians have borne the brunt of this move, with essential infrastructure like water supply networks severely affected.

Civilians Struggle for Every Drop of Water

The disruption of Gaza’s main water supply has left thousands of families without access to clean water. Residents, including women, children, and the elderly, now make arduous daily treks—often on foot for miles—to reach remote areas where some wells are still operating.

“I have been waiting since morning for water,” said Faten Nassar, a 42-year-old Gaza woman. “There are no stations and no trucks coming. There is no water. The crossings are closed.”

64-year-old Adel Al-Hourani also shared his ordeal: “I walk long distances. I get tired. I am old, I’m not young to walk around every day to get water.”

Palestinian Municipal Authorities Raise Alarm

Husni Mhana, spokesperson for the Gaza municipality, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation. “We are now living in a real thirst crisis in Gaza City,” he said. “Things are getting more complicated, especially when it comes to people’s daily lives and their water needs—whether for cleaning, cooking, drinking, or sanitation.”

He warned that if the pipeline remains non-functional, the city could face even more severe health and hygiene challenges in the coming days.

UN and WHO Highlight Emergency Conditions

The World Health Organization (WHO) has specified a minimum survival standard of 15 litres of water per person per day during humanitarian emergencies. Gaza residents, however, currently have access to only 3 to 5 litres per person per day, a fraction of what’s needed for basic survival.

In a joint statement released on March 22, the Palestinian Bureau of Statistics and the Palestinian Water Authority reported that over 85% of Gaza’s water and sanitation assets are either completely or partially out of service.

Most of Gaza’s five desalination plants have either been damaged or shut down due to fuel shortages and power cuts, both of which are outcomes of the Israeli blockade and attacks on infrastructure.

Gaza’s Sole Natural Water Source Now Undrinkable

Gaza’s only natural water reserve, the Coastal Aquifer Basin, stretches across Egypt, Gaza, and Israel. However, years of over-extraction, pollution, and seawater intrusion have rendered 97% of its water unfit for human consumption, according to Palestinian and international reports.

The Palestinian Water Authority confirmed that most of Gaza’s local wells are inoperable, pushing people to rely on unsafe water sources, which could lead to further public health crises including waterborne diseases and infections.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens with No End in Sight

Since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, after the Hamas attack in southern Israel that left 1,200 Israelis dead and around 250 taken hostage, Gaza has been under relentless bombardment. According to Palestinian health officials, more than 50,800 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.

Israel’s response has included massive airstrikes, ground invasions, and cutting essential supplies including water, electricity, and humanitarian aid. While the Israeli military says it is targeting militants, the destruction of critical infrastructure like water and sanitation systems has had a devastating impact on civilians.

Calls for International Intervention Grow

Human rights organizations and UN officials are urging immediate international intervention to restore basic services and protect civilians. They are demanding access for humanitarian convoys and repair teams to resume operations in the damaged areas.

With border crossings still closed and international aid limited, restoring water access to Gaza City appears unlikely without a significant change in the current military strategy or international pressure on the Israeli government.

Conclusion: A Crisis of Survival

The current crisis in Gaza is not just about conflict—it’s about human survival. Water, a basic necessity, has now become a scarce commodity, and the health and dignity of over 2 million people are at serious risk.

As the humanitarian situation worsens, the international community is being called upon to act swiftly. Without immediate restoration of the Mekorot pipeline or provision of alternative clean water sources, Gaza City could face a catastrophic water and health emergency in the days ahead.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Aten Papers & Foam.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.