As the war on Gaza stretches into its 20th month, even the most necessities—like water—have become a daily battle for survival.
For Palestinians across the Strip, especially those displaced in makeshift camps, access to clean or even usable water is a constant struggle.
Abu Aziz, a displaced man from Rafah now living in Deir al-Balah, describes the search for water as a war. “We used to get water trucks regularly, especially during the ceasefire,” he said. “But now, they barely show up.”
Even Gazans who remain in their homes face the same crisis. Fuel shortages have forced municipalities to drastically cut water supply, especially since Israel sealed the Strip’s crossings in early March 2025.
But Gaza’s water crisis didn’t start with this war. Years of blockade, population growth, and underdeveloped infrastructure have devastated the water system. According to the Palestinian Water Authority, 97% of the groundwater was already undrinkable before the war began.
Since October, the situation has deteriorated further. A UN report found that most desalination plants, wells, and water tanks have been destroyed, especially in Gaza’s north and central areas. As a result, the average person survives on just 3 to 5 liters of water a day, far below the World Health Organization’s emergency minimum of 15 liters.
Oxfam reports a 94% drop in per capita water access. Wastewater is flooding residential areas, raising fears of disease outbreaks.
The Palestinian Water Authority says 85% of Gaza’s water infrastructure is now unusable and has urged the international community to intervene, calling for an end to the blockade, protection for water workers, and urgent delivery of supplies.
For many in Gaza, getting water has become one more exhausting battle in a life filled with loss, fear, and survival.
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