Gaza Faces Imminent Water Crisis as Power Cutoffs Cripple Infrastructure
Table of Contents
- 1. Gaza Faces Imminent Water Crisis as Power Cutoffs Cripple Infrastructure
- 2. Power Cutoffs Threaten Water Supply
- 3. health Crisis Looms
- 4. Aid Blocked, Recovery Stalled
- 5. Call to action
- 6. How do pre-clearance systems create bureaucratic nightmares and hinder humanitarian aid efforts during water crises in conflict zones like Gaza?
- 7. Gaza Water Crisis: An Interview with Hydrologist, Dr. Amal Hassan
- 8. Interview
March 25, 2025
Jerusalem
Even before the latest escalation, Gaza’s water crisis was severe due too Israeli restrictions on electricity and water, which have been compounded by infrastructure damage. With a ceasefire recently shattered,concerns are mounting that Israeli actions are further restricting access to clean water for the region’s population,potentially leading to a public health catastrophe. The situation is drawing parallels to water crises in American cities like Flint, michigan, where compromised water infrastructure led to devastating health consequences.
- Amidst a shattered ceasefire, Israeli authorities block access to water by cutting electricity and fuel from entering Gaza, Palestine.
- Many are forced to drink unsafe water which has consequences on people’s living conditions and health.
- Calls are being made for the immediate restoration of the ceasefire and for Israeli authorities to allow electricity and humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
Power Cutoffs Threaten Water Supply
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned that Israeli authorities are essentially blocking access to water in Gaza by cutting off electricity and fuel supplies. These resources are crucial for operating water pumps and desalination plants,leaving the population increasingly vulnerable.
Paula Navarro, MSF water and sanitation coordinator in Gaza, stated: With a new onslaught of bombings that have killed hundreds of people in just a few short days, Israeli forces continue to deprive people in Gaza of water by shutting off electricity and blocking fuel from entering – resources that are necesary for water infrastructure including the running of water pumps. for those who have endured relentless bombings, the suffering is made worse by a water crisis—many are forced to drink unsafe water, while others don’t have enough.
This paints a grim picture of a population caught between the violence and a basic necessity.
The blockade’s impact on Gaza’s water infrastructure is drawing condemnation. Critics argue that restricting access to essential resources like water constitutes collective punishment, a violation of international humanitarian law. The situation echoes concerns raised about water access in other conflict zones, where water is often used as a weapon of war.
health Crisis Looms
The lack of access to safe water is already having dire consequences for the health of Gazans. Healthcare centers are reporting a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly among children.
Chiara Lodi, MSF medical team coordinator in Gaza, highlighted the alarming trend: The sheer number of children with skin conditions is a direct result of Gaza’s destruction and blockade. In addition to treating adults and children who have severe war injuries, our staff are treating an increasing number of children with entirely preventable skin diseases like scabies, which is not only uncomfortable, but in severe cases, sees them scratch their skin until it bleeds which can lead to infection.
Lodi further explained, This is a result of children being unable to bathe, spreading scabies and other infections, leaving lasting scars.
The situation is particularly dire in areas like al-Mawasi and Khan Younis, where jaundice, diarrhea, and scabies are rampant due to inadequate access to clean water.
Aid Blocked, Recovery Stalled
Even before the recent escalation, efforts to restore Gaza’s water system were hampered by Israeli restrictions on the entry of aid. The “dual-use” pre-clearance system requires approval for many essential water and sanitation supplies, including chlorine, spare parts for desalination units, generators, and water tanks.
Navarro emphasized the near impossibility of restoring a functional water system under the current restrictions: Restrictions by Israeli authorities have made it near impractical to restore a functioning water system. Water production relies on energy, yet new generators over 30 kilowatts are not permitted to enter. We’re forced to ‘Frankenstein’ generators—salvaging parts from one to fix another.
The bureaucratic hurdles and delays are crippling humanitarian efforts.
| metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Desalination Plant Output (khan Younis) | Reduced from 17 million to 2.5 million liters per day after march 9, 2025 cuts. |
| Healthcare Consultations (Jan-Feb 2025) related to water/hygiene | ~16,400 (approx. 20% of total consultations) |
| MSF Clean Water Production (Jan-Mid March 2025) | Over 2 million liters |
| MSF Clean Water Distribution (Jan-Mid March 2025) | Over 36 million liters |
| MSF Water & Sanitation Items Approved (Jan 2024- Early March 2025) | 28% out of 1,700 requested |
| Average Response Time for Approval | 60 days (some exceeding 200 days) |
Call to action
MSF is urging Israeli authorities to lift the siege on Gaza, uphold international humanitarian law, and ensure the unhindered access of aid. The organization argues that israel, as an occupying power, has a responsibility to protect the well-being of the civilian population.
The situation in gaza underscores the importance of ensuring access to clean water as a basic human right.
How do pre-clearance systems create bureaucratic nightmares and hinder humanitarian aid efforts during water crises in conflict zones like Gaza?
Gaza Water Crisis: An Interview with Hydrologist, Dr. Amal Hassan
March 25,2025
Jerusalem
Archyde News is deeply concerned about the escalating water crisis in Gaza. To shed light on the situation, we have Dr. Amal Hassan, a leading hydrologist specializing in water resource management in conflict zones. Dr. hassan, thank you for joining us.
Interview
Archyde News: Dr. Hassan, the situation in Gaza appears dire. Can you summarize the core issues driving the water crisis?
Dr. Hassan: Certainly. The crisis is multifaceted.Decades of over-pumping, contamination, and now, the impact of conflict and restrictions on essential resources like electricity and fuel are crippling the water infrastructure. This is exacerbated by the damage to infrastructure and the limited entry of necessary supplies and aid.
Archyde News: The recent power cutoffs appear to be a critical factor. How do they directly affect the water supply?
Dr.Hassan: Power is essential for operating water pumps and desalination plants.Without it, the population cannot access clean water. The cuts, therefore, directly restrict access to water and affect the regions water supply, compounding existing issues.
Archyde News: The article mentions health consequences. What are the most immediate health risks facing Gazans?
Dr. Hassan: The lack of clean water leads to outbreaks of waterborne diseases, especially amongst children. Skin conditions like scabies are also rampant due to poor hygiene because of the inability to consistently bathe or wash clothes efficiently.
Archyde News: Aid restrictions are a notable concern. What specific challenges do these restrictions pose to humanitarian efforts?
Dr. Hassan: They create bureaucratic nightmares. The “dual-use” pre-clearance system delays or blocks the entry of crucial supplies,from chlorine to spare parts for desalination units. These delays can dramatically stall efforts to restore water infrastructure.
Archyde News: The article mentions parallels to water crises in other areas. How does the situation in Gaza compare to other conflict zones or areas with protracted water shortages?
Dr. Hassan: The deliberate targeting of water infrastructure or restricting access to essential resources is a common tactic, effectively using water as a weapon. This is a violation of international humanitarian law.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what solutions or actions are most urgently needed to alleviate the water crisis?
Dr. Hassan: The immediate priority is to restore the ceasefire, allow unrestricted access of electricity, fuel, and humanitarian aid. Beyond this, long-term solutions require significant investment in water infrastructure, including desalination plants and lasting water management practices.
Archyde News: the humanitarian situation there requires urgent attention. What do you think is the biggest misconception the public has about water crises in conflict zones?
Dr. Hassan: I think the biggest misconception is the idea that these crises are purely natural disasters. While climate change and geographical conditions certainly play a role, the critical driver is very often a complex mix of man-made factors, including politics, deliberate restrictions, and, sadly, the use of water as a means of control. Public awareness and a commitment to accountability are vital. I encourage everyone to consider that.
Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Hassan,for your insights. Your outlook is invaluable.
