Gazans fear shutdown of water plants as Israel widens offensive.
Chronic shortages of water in Gaza are worsening as Israel’s expanding military offensive causes new waves of displacement – and desalination and hygiene plants are running out of fuel.
The UN’s humanitarian office has said its partners are warning that, without immediate fuel deliveries, a full shutdown of water and sanitation facilities is possible by the end of the week.
Days after Israel imposed its blockade on aid in early March – which is only now being eased – it also cut off power lines to the main desalination plants – a vital source of water for Gazans.
It said these steps were to put pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages it is holding.
