Gaza’s Water Crisis Endangers Public Health and Sanitation Amid Israel-Hamas War
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has sparked a water crisis in Gaza, raising concerns about public health and sanitation. According to Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations agency for Palestinians, the potable water supply in Gaza is rapidly depleting. Lazzarini described the situation as Gaza “running out of life” in an interview with AP News.
Gaza relies on wells, an Israeli pipeline, and desalination plants in the Mediterranean Sea for its water supply. However, Israel’s response to Hamas strikes has led to the shutdown of water, fuel, and power, severely reducing these supplies.
Access to clean water is recognized as a fundamental human right by the United Nations, as it is essential for maintaining good health. Without adequate water intake, dehydration and subsequent health issues can arise. Particularly vulnerable are children, seniors, and medical patients, who are at higher risk of dehydration-related complications such as organ failure and even death. Moreover, the lack of clean water increases the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, while also hindering overall sanitation efforts. Diarrhea, primarily caused by polluted water, is a leading cause of death among children under five worldwide.
Clean water is also crucial in healthcare settings such as hospitals, where it is necessary for proper hygiene and reducing the risk of outbreaks linked to water contamination. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of water in preventing healthcare-associated infections.
The water crisis in Gaza is not a new issue. Even before the Israel-Hamas war, Gaza was already facing significant water problems. Reuters reported that the closure of Gaza’s border with Egypt has prevented refugees from fleeing the conflict, exacerbating the situation for civilians.
Prior to the recent escalation, 90% of Gaza’s water was already contaminated and undrinkable due to sewage, chemicals, and saltwater infiltration in the area’s only aquifer. Some residents relied on desalination plants and public faucets for clean water, but even the limited supply from the aquifer was often mixed with subpar water during distribution, making it only suitable for washing purposes.
The accumulating waste in the streets and overcrowded shelters for displaced persons pose additional concerns for potential infections and pandemics.
Overwhelmed medical professionals are struggling to provide adequate care for the growing number of patients, especially children injured in airstrikes. Hospitals are facing fuel and medication shortages due to the ongoing blockade, severely limiting their ability to treat all cases surgically.
Amid these challenges, the tech sector in Israel is stepping up to support the affected children. The Israeli Children’s Fund aims to raise $100 million for children who have lost one or both parents in Hamas’s strikes on southern Israel. Prominent figures from Israeli technology companies and venture capitalists have established the fund, showcasing the coordinated efforts of the tech industry to provide assistance during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The water crisis in Gaza highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to ensure access to clean water and improve public health and sanitation in the region. As the conflict continues, addressing this issue becomes increasingly crucial to mitigate the potential devastating consequences for the people of Gaza.
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