Gaza Strip faces a severe water shortage, despite ceasefire

The Gaza Strip continues to face a severe water shortage crisis caused by Israel’s two-year genocidal war and the ongoing blockade despite the ceasefire, according to local officials.

Hosni Muhanna, spokesperson for the Gaza City Municipality, said that much of the water currently reaching Gaza amounts to no more than 15 percent of the Strip’s actual needs for its population of over two million - roughly 100,000 cubic metres daily.

During the two-year war, which ended with a fragile ceasefire on 11 October, Israel destroyed most of the wells, and the central desalination plant has been forced out of service. Only 17 wells out of 88 are currently operational.

The Strip is now dependent on the unstable supply from the Mekorot water line, Israel’s national water company. Muhanna said the line provides about 15,000 cubic metres per day.

Even before the war began in October 2023, most water in Gaza was undrinkable due to the Israeli blockade.

Read more: Gaza Strip faces a severe water shortage, despite ceasefire