Gaza’s water system is in a dire state and millions of lives are in danger. Due to the ongoing crisis in the area, numerous fuel shortages were reported and a large chunk of infrastructure was damaged, which led to the water supply levels being depleted extremely rapidly. Relief from around the globe helped but there is yet to be a long-term solution.

Drinking water facilities in shambles

Due to displacement orders, the Al Satar reservoir has become inaccessible which has cut out a critical source of drinking water, while a strict fuel blockade of more than 17 week shut down water desalination and pumps across the territory. 60% of water facilities in Gaza are not operational and even the remaining are only days away from failing due to the fuel shortage, reported UNICEF. Countless residents have to rely on emergency water trucks which only fulfills the needs of a minority.

Health consequences

The lack of clean drinking water led to a rise in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, hepatitis A, and hepatitis E. Shelters have become overcrowded which led to poor sanitation, resulting in a drastic increase in meningitis cases among the younger population. AlShifa, the largest hospital in Gaza, has suspended dialysis, which has put over 350 kidney patients at risk, reported Middle East Eye. Health officials are concerned that the stalled sewage systems could lead to cholera or typhoid outbreaks if conditions persist.

Daily life struggles

Since March, nearly 714,000 people have been displaced and are forced to sleep outdoors in temperatures over 30°C, reported UN. Families were forced to ration the little water they have and most utilise less than 10 liters a day. Waste piled up around the temporary shelters further attracting disease carriers like mosquitoes and flies. Toilets have become inoperable and raw sewage flows through living areas, further adding onto the lack of hygiene and health risks.

Legal violations amidst conflict

International law prohibits crucial civilian infrastructure, such as water systems, from being targeted, but it still continues to be repeatedly hit. Human rights organisations state that these attacks should come under war crimes and are a violation of the Geneva Convention. Aid from across the globe delivering fuel and water face long delays at border crossings, further harming relief efforts. 

Pathways to survival

Delivery of fuel is currently of utmost importance to restart water pumps, hospital generators, and treatment plants. Also, establishing a reliable humanitarian corridor would help with the steady supply of water, medicine, and hygiene essentials. A steady ceasefire must be established first in order to proceed with reconstruction of Gaza’s water infrastructure, as well as guarantee the safety of the repair crew.

The Gaza water crisis is an unfortunate reminder of how conflict can lead to the devastation of civilian life. While the aid certainly helps, lasting change needs political action.

(The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)