Since October 7, more than half of Gaza’s essential water facilities have been severely damaged or destroyed, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Satellite analysis has revealed that 53 percent of Gaza’s 603 water facilities are no longer operational, with critical infrastructure in northern Gaza and Khan Younis sustaining the heaviest damage (Source: BBC). The destruction of these facilities and pipelines has plunged Gaza’s water system into disrepair, putting millions at risk of disease, thirst, and inadequate sanitation. 

With four out of six wastewater treatment plants damaged or destroyed and the remaining two shuttered due to supply shortages, untreated sewage now spills into streets and displacement camps. UNICEF’s desalination plant in Deir al-Balah, a lifeline for fresh water, is running at only 30 percent capacity due to severe fuel shortages, further complicating the crisis. 

To combat this devastating water scarcity, United Palestinian Appeal (UPA) has launched emergency water distribution efforts across Gaza since October 7, including in the severely affected northern parts of the Gaza Strip.  

Despite Israel’s heavy siege and ongoing attacks, our team continues its work on the ground to reach our people, providing clean drinking water and supporting local facilities to ensure that families have access to safe water. UPA’s distributions are designed to address both immediate needs and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, which have already surged across the entire Gaza Strip. To date, our team has been able to distribute over 13,542,500 liters of clean drinking water to Palestinian families. 

UPA’s commitment to our people remains steadfast. We continue to provide urgent aid to address their most immediate needs. In these desperate times, UPA is on the ground to ensure that our people in Gaza can access life-sustaining resources, offering hope and resilience in the face of one of humanity’s darkest chapters.