Thirst threatens Gaza

The Gaza Municipality warned on Sunday of an unprecedented worsening water crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza Municipality spokesperson Hosni Muhanna attributed the crisis primarily to the widespread destruction of infrastructure, particularly water networks and vital facilities. He stated that 72 out of 86 wells serving Gaza City had been destroyed.

Muhanna emphasized that the electricity crisis and fuel shortages needed to operate backup generators, along with the scarcity of materials and equipment necessary for maintenance, have exacerbated the crisis.

He explained that the gap between actual water needs and available water exceeds 50%, meaning that residents receive only a limited portion of their daily requirements.

Muhanna clarified that the municipality is working within an emergency plan to mitigate the crisis, which includes operating available wells at maximum capacity in cooperation with donor organizations and the Palestinian Water Authority.

He noted that these efforts remain limited in their impact given the ongoing challenges, primarily the severe shortage of fuel and maintenance materials, and the difficulty technical teams face in accessing some areas.