The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has issued a dire warning about the worsening water crisis in the Gaza Strip. The agency stated that water has now become a “matter of life and death” for the people of Gaza after Israel cut off their water supplies.
UNRWA expressed deep concern on Saturday, emphasizing that more than two million people in Gaza are now at risk as their water supply runs critically low.
For a week, no humanitarian supplies have been allowed into Gaza, further exacerbating the crisis. Clean water is rapidly depleting as the Gaza Strip’s water plant and public water networks have ceased operations. Palestinians are being compelled to use contaminated water from wells, significantly increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Israel has also imposed a power blackout on Gaza since Wednesday, which has directly impacted the availability of water.
Amid Israel’s air attacks, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate northern Gaza, a situation the UN has deemed “impossible.” In just the past week, nearly one million people have been displaced.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini urgently appealed for fuel to be delivered to Gaza to make clean water accessible to its residents. He stressed, “It has become a matter of life and death. It is a must: fuel needs to be delivered now into Gaza to make water available for two million people.”
Failure to provide fuel would result in severe dehydration and potential fatalities, especially among young children, the elderly, and women. Lazzarini implored for the lifting of the humanitarian assistance siege, emphasizing that water is now the last remaining lifeline for the people of Gaza.
In a shocking development, UNRWA also reported that its shelters in Gaza are no longer safe, describing the situation as “unprecedented.” The agency called attention to the rules of war, stating that civilians, hospitals, schools, clinics, and United Nations facilities cannot be targeted. UNRWA is actively advocating for parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international law and protect civilians, including those seeking refuge in UNRWA shelters.
Efforts are currently underway by various organizations and governments to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, including hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children in dire need.