Oxfam has issued a stark warning about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where water access for Palestinians has been reduced by 94 percent since October. The report details how Israel’s sustained attacks on water infrastructure have left Palestinians in Gaza with just a fraction of the water they need for basic survival. Monther Shoblak, general manager of Gaza’s water utility, describes the situation as a “nightmare,” underscoring the severe challenges faced by residents and workers alike.
The issue of water access in Gaza is not new. For decades, Israel has exercised control over water resources in Palestinian territories, often limiting access as a means of exerting pressure. Even before the current crisis, Palestinians in Gaza had access to only about 83 liters of water per person per day, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended daily amount of 100 liters. The current situation, however, is unprecedented in its severity.
According to Oxfam, Palestinians in Gaza now have access to an average of just 4.7 liters of water per person per day, which is a mere 1.2 gallons. This limited supply must be used for all purposes, including drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry. In the so-called “humanitarian safe zone” of al-Mawasi, water access is even more dire, averaging only 2.5 liters per person per day. The UN has set the minimum water requirement in emergencies at 15 liters per day, highlighting the extreme deprivation faced by Gaza’s residents.
The dramatic reduction in water access is a direct result of Israel’s ongoing military operations targeting Gaza’s water infrastructure. Oxfam reports that Israel has destroyed 100 percent of wastewater treatment plants in Gaza and all water desalination plants and water sanitation warehouses in Gaza City. Furthermore, approximately 70 percent of water and sanitation infrastructure across Gaza has been damaged or destroyed. On average, five sanitation sites have been targeted every three days since October.
The humanitarian consequences of these actions are devastating. Deprived of adequate water, Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from dehydration, starvation, and disease. The lack of clean water exacerbates public health issues, making it difficult to maintain basic hygiene and sanitation. Additionally, delivering water through humanitarian convoys is nearly impossible due to Israel’s stringent aid blockade. Maintenance of the remaining infrastructure is perilous, as Israeli forces have targeted maintenance workers, further complicating efforts to provide clean water.
Oxfam’s report underscores the violations of international humanitarian law committed by Israel. The intentional targeting and destruction of water infrastructure, contamination of water sources, and blockade of necessary supplies constitute serious breaches of international norms. “The Israeli military’s operations in Gaza have repeatedly committed violations of international humanitarian law depriving people of access to water, an indispensable resource for their survival,” the report states.
Before the current crisis, water access in Gaza was already insufficient. As of March 2023, Palestinians in Gaza had access to about 83 liters of water per person per day, while those in the occupied West Bank had access to 89 liters. By contrast, Israelis, including settlers in the West Bank, enjoy nearly 250 liters per day. Over the past nine months, Israel’s actions have reduced water access in Gaza to just 6 percent of these already inadequate levels.
Firsthand accounts from Gaza’s water utility workers reveal the dire conditions on the ground. Monther Shoblak and his colleagues continue to strive to provide clean water despite the life-threatening risks. “My colleagues and I have been living through a nightmare these past nine months, but we still feel it’s our responsibility and duty to ensure everybody in Gaza is getting their minimum right of clean drinking water,” Shoblak said.
The international community has begun to respond to the crisis, with human rights organizations and advocacy groups calling for immediate action. They urge the global community to pressure Israel to comply with international humanitarian laws and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The potential for international intervention remains a critical factor in addressing the water crisis in Gaza.
To mitigate the crisis, several measures need to be taken. Rebuilding and protecting Gaza’s water infrastructure is essential. Ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid must be a priority. International pressure on Israel to adhere to humanitarian laws is crucial for long-term solutions. Oxfam and other organizations recommend a coordinated global response to support Gaza and hold Israel accountable for its actions.
As Monther Shoblak stated, “My colleagues and I have been living through a nightmare these past nine months, but we still feel it’s our responsibility and duty to ensure everybody in Gaza is getting their minimum right of clean drinking water,” said Monther Shoblak, general manager of Gaza’s water utility. “My colleagues and I have been living through a nightmare these past nine months, but we still feel it’s our responsibility and duty to ensure everybody in Gaza is getting their minimum right of clean drinking water.”
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