Euro-Mediterranean: Manufacturing Thirst.. Water Crisis in Gaza Under Weight of Ongoing Genocide.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor stated on Tuesday that the Gaza Strip is experiencing an unprecedented water and humanitarian crisis as a result of the ongoing aggression and destruction of infrastructure. Only one main desalination plant is operating at full capacity out of several, while desalination production has decreased from 20,000 cubic meters per day to 16,000 cubic meters per day due to shortages of chemicals, fuel, and spare parts.
The observatory added in a report published on the “X” platform and monitored by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) that data indicates that more than 90 to 97 percent of groundwater in Gaza is unfit for drinking due to salinity, sewage leaks, and chemical pollution. Meanwhile, 82 percent of households suffer from water insecurity, and 70 percent are unable to collect the minimum of 6 liters per person per day for drinking and cooking.
The observatory stated that approximately 85 percent of water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged, forcing many households to rely on water delivered by tankers or small desalination units, often at high and unaffordable costs. Around 1.8 million people urgently need assistance in the areas of water, sanitation, and hygiene. Water shortages, sewage overflows, and accumulated waste are increasing the risk of diarrhea, skin infections, and other waterborne diseases. Children are among the most vulnerable to these diseases due to the use of unsafe water and the deterioration of sanitation services. On the environmental front, the observatory stated that all six wastewater treatment plants are out of service, while approximately 120,000 cubic meters of untreated sewage are discharged daily into the sea and surrounding areas.
Furthermore, 85 percent of families live within 10 meters of exposed sewage, waste, stagnant water, or areas infested with rodents, exacerbating the health and environmental risks to residents.
