United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has sounded the alarm over a looming catastrophe in Gaza, where severe thirst now threatens the lives of thousands amid the total collapse of water supply systems.
In a statement posted Wednesday evening on Facebook, the agency said that families across the Gaza Strip are now “at risk of dying from thirst” as water infrastructure lies in ruins following relentless Israeli bombardment and a blockade on fuel entry since March.
“Only 40% of drinking water production facilities remain operational. Gaza is on the brink of a man-made drought,” the agency stated, painting a devastating picture of life without access to safe water.
UNRWA revealed that its capacity to provide clean water has been reduced by half compared to the truce period, citing constant airstrikes, forced displacement orders, and the ongoing Israeli ban on fuel entry for over 100 consecutive days.
“Wells have run dry due to lack of fuel. Some are in dangerous zones that are nearly unreachable. Broken pipes are wasting what little water remains. Water trucks often fail to reach those in need,” the statement added.
UNRWA called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further humanitarian collapse.
Just last month, several municipalities across Gaza warned that their services were grinding to a halt due to fuel shortages, especially affecting vital facilities like water wells — the last lifeline for a population struggling to survive under siege.
