Water scarcity worsens in Gaza as infrastructure destruction deepens humanitarian crisis.
Ramallah [Palestine], December 20: Access to clean water in Gaza has become an urgent challenge as ongoing war reduces supply to critical levels, leaving over two million Palestinians in desperate need, Al Jazeera reported. The destruction of water infrastructure has turned water into a “tool of war,” with individuals surviving on less than five litres per day—far below the global standard for basic human needs.
A Struggle for Survival
Displaced residents like Shadi Yassin describe the dire conditions. “We need water for showers, dishes, and cleaning. We also need drinking water, and we can’t easily afford that. The amount of water here is not enough,” he told Al Jazeera.
The scarcity exacerbates health and sanitation concerns for residents already facing displacement, food shortages, and the constant threat of violence.
Civilian Casualties and Regional Escalations
The ongoing conflict continues to claim lives. On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeted two schools in Gaza, killing at least 15 Palestinians and injuring 30 others. Beyond Gaza, Israel launched attacks on Houthi sites in Yemen following a missile launch reportedly intercepted by the Israeli military. At least nine people were killed in airstrikes on power stations and ports in Sanaa and Hodeidah, as per Al Jazeera.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the group’s readiness for a long conflict against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
International Appeals for Humanitarian Relief
Lisa Grande, the Biden administration’s Middle East aid envoy, urged Israel to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. In a call with COGAT chief General Ghassan Alian, she demanded the cancellation of civilian evacuation orders, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, and a comprehensive plan to protect civilian infrastructure, according to the Times of Israel.
Devastating Human Cost
Since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, Israeli military actions have killed 45,129 Palestinians and wounded 1,07,338. The same day, Hamas-led attacks in Israel resulted in 1,139 deaths and the capture of over 200 individuals.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with calls for immediate international intervention to address water shortages and protect civilian lives.
