Water Scarcity Crisis Grips Gaza Strip as UN Relief Efforts Diminish
The Gaza Strip is currently facing a severe water scarcity crisis as the United Nations’ relief efforts in the region dwindle. This dire situation has left the average Palestinian resident with only two pieces of bread made from flour, which was part of the limited UN stockpile in the area. Despite this meager sustenance, the main cry heard on the streets is for water.
According to Thomas White, the Gaza director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, who recently toured the region, Gaza resembles a scene of death and destruction. The constant fear for their lives, future, and ability to provide for their families plagues the inhabitants of this besieged enclave.
The Palestinian refugee agency, known as UNRWA, has been supporting approximately 89 bakeries across Gaza to feed a staggering 1.7 million people. However, the situation has shifted drastically, with people now desperately searching for water, as it has become their most urgent need.
Lynn Hastings, the UN Deputy Mideast coordinator and humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, revealed that out of three water supply lines from Israel, only one is currently operational. As a result, many individuals are left relying on brackish or saline groundwater, if they have access to any water at all.
In a video briefing to diplomats from the UN’s member nations, Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian chief, emphasized the intense negotiations taking place among authorities from Israel, Egypt, the United States, and the United Nations to allow fuel into Gaza. The provision of fuel is crucial for the functioning of critical institutions, hospitals, and the distribution of water and electricity.
Unfortunately, backup generators, which are vital for sustaining hospitals, water desalination plants, food production facilities, and other essential services, are gradually ceasing operations due to the depletion of fuel supplies. Moreover, untreated sewage is being pumped into the sea, worsening the environmental crisis. Once the municipal workers run out of fuel, sewage will likely flow through the streets.
Another troubling issue highlighted by White is the shortage of cooking gas, particularly as the private sector’s supply from Egypt has decreased significantly since the war began. Aid organizations like UNRWA cannot replicate the private sector’s distribution network for this crucial item.
White cautioned that nearly 600,000 people are currently seeking shelter in 149 UNRWA facilities, primarily schools. However, the agency has lost contact with many of those located in the north, where Israel is carrying out intense ground and air strikes following Hamas’ surprise offensive on October 7.
The water scarcity crisis in the Gaza Strip is reaching catastrophic levels, with dire consequences for its residents. The UN’s relief efforts have diminished, leaving people in desperate need of water, amidst ongoing issues with fuel, sewage, and cooking gas supplies. Immediate international action is required to address this humanitarian crisis and prevent further devastation in the region.
