Gaza is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe as Israel’s ongoing military operations have decimated crucial water infrastructure, leaving millions without access to clean water. Desalination plants and wells have been destroyed, while fuel blockades have crippled efforts to deliver what little water remains. The International Rescue Committee reports that most residents are receiving far below the World Health Organization’s emergency standard of 15 liters per person per day.

Children are now the frontline warriors in the desperate battle for survival, waiting for hours at water plants, only to leave empty-handed. Municipal officials are unable to reach damaged water mains due to the perilous security situation, exacerbating the crisis. Currently, only 12 out of 75 wells in Gaza are operational, with the municipality managing to pump a mere 15% of pre-war water levels. The dire shortage has led to a catastrophic public health risk, as unsanitary conditions threaten to unleash a wave of diseases among the densely packed population of over a million.

Reports indicate that water trucks are only able to deliver supplies every three to four days, and many families are left without sufficient drinking water, hygiene, or sanitation. The situation is deteriorating rapidly, with less than half of Gaza’s urban areas receiving any water at all. As the clock ticks, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and the world watches in horror. Immediate international intervention is essential to avert a disaster that could claim countless lives. This is a critical moment for Gaza, and the time to act is now.