The water crisis in Gaza has intensified, according to a new report by Doctors Without Borders (DWB), which accuses Israeli authorities of using access to water as a weapon against the population of the Gaza Strip.
DWB said the situation forms part of what it describes as a “campaign of collective punishment”, citing widespread destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure.
The report claims that around 90% of water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza has been damaged or destroyed, based on data from the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank.
This includes desalination plants, wells, pipelines and sewage networks, all of which DWB says have been heavily affected during the conflict.
DWB highlights humanitarian impact
DWB says the water crisis in Gaza has created severe public health risks, including the spread of respiratory diseases, diarrhoeal illnesses and skin conditions.
The organisation also reported difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid due to restrictions and access limitations, including blocked or delayed shipments of water-related equipment.
DWB said it has become the second-largest provider of drinking water in Gaza after local authorities, distributing more than 5.3 million litres per day in March.
However, ongoing displacement orders and insecurity have limited access to affected areas, reducing the organisation’s ability to reach hundreds of thousands of people.
Calls for urgent action
DWB has called for immediate restoration of adequate water access for the population and urged international allies of Israel to pressure for the removal of obstacles to humanitarian aid.
The organisation warned that the lack of water and sanitation continues to deepen the humanitarian emergency in Gaza.
Also read: Joint statement by 8 states, including Turkey, against Israel
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