The Devastating Impact on Water and Sanitation in Gaza
The escalating conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory has taken a devastating toll on the water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza. According to recent reports, an alarming 67% of the region’s critical water and sanitation systems have been destroyed since the 2021 hostilities. This catastrophic damage has left hundreds of thousands of Gazans without access to clean water and proper sanitation, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Widespread Destruction of Water and Sanitation Facilities
The UN’s latest humanitarian needs overview paints a grim picture of the situation in Gaza. It reveals that 14 hospitals and 45 primary healthcare centers have been forced to close, significantly limiting the availability of medical services for a population already under immense strain. Compounding this issue, over half of the region’s population is now displaced, seeking refuge in overcrowded UNRWA facilities that lack adequate water, food, and sanitation supplies.
The damage to Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure is particularly severe. According to the WHO, 67% of the region’s critical water and sanitation systems have been destroyed or rendered non-functional since the 2021 conflict. This includes the destruction of key water treatment plants, sewage networks, and pumping stations. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Gazans are now without access to clean, safe drinking water, and proper waste management services.
Devastating Impacts on Public Health and Wellbeing
The lack of access to clean water and sanitation is having a devastating impact on public health in Gaza. An UNRWA assessment found that over 22,500 cases of acute respiratory infections and 12,000 cases of diarrhea have already been reported, with the threat of waterborne diseases looming large. These health concerns are especially dire for the region’s most vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, and newborns.
The UN agencies warn that the situation is only worsening, with an estimated 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, over 180 of whom give birth every day. Tragically, 15% of these women are likely to experience pregnancy or birth-related complications, but they are unable to access the emergency obstetric services they so desperately need. The lack of clean water and proper sanitation also heightens the risk of newborn infections and complications, further jeopardizing the lives of the region’s most vulnerable.
Challenges in Restoring Critical Infrastructure
Rebuilding Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure is a complex and daunting task, made even more challenging by the ongoing conflict. The UN and humanitarian organizations have been working tirelessly to provide emergency assistance, including the delivery of life-saving medicines, equipment, and supplies. However, these efforts are severely hampered by the lack of sustained and safe access to the region.
According to the latest reports, no fuel has been allowed into Gaza since early October, crippling the ability of hospitals, water treatment plants, and other critical facilities to function. Aid agencies are urgently calling for an immediate humanitarian pause to alleviate the suffering and prevent the situation from becoming even more catastrophic.
A Call for Immediate Action and Sustained Support
The destruction of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure is a humanitarian catastrophe that demands immediate action and sustained support from the international community. All parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities and water systems.
At Joint Action for Water, we are committed to advocating for the restoration of critical water and sanitation services in Gaza, as well as supporting community-led initiatives that empower residents to address their own water and sanitation needs. Through collaborative efforts and a steadfast commitment to human rights, we believe that the people of Gaza can overcome this crisis and rebuild a more resilient and sustainable future.
Investing in Community-Driven Water and Sanitation Solutions
As the international community grapples with the urgent need to restore Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure, it is crucial to also empower local communities to become active participants in the process. By supporting community-driven initiatives, we can ensure that solutions are tailored to the unique needs and challenges of each neighborhood, fostering a sense of ownership and long-term sustainability.
Amplifying Community Voices and Priorities
One of the key pillars of our approach at Joint Action for Water is to elevate the voices and priorities of local communities. We believe that the people of Gaza are the true experts on the challenges they face and the most effective ways to address them. By engaging directly with community leaders, women’s groups, and grassroots organizations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the on-the-ground realities and co-create solutions that are responsive to their needs.
For example, our team has been working closely with the Al-Bureij Cooperative for Water and Sanitation, a community-based organization in central Gaza. Through this partnership, we have learned that many residents lack access to reliable information about water quality, sanitation best practices, and available resources. In response, we have supported the cooperative in developing and distributing educational materials on water conservation, hygiene, and disease prevention, empowering community members to take an active role in maintaining their own water and sanitation systems.
Innovative, Locally-Driven Solutions
By amplifying community voices and priorities, we can also foster the development of innovative, locally-driven solutions to the water and sanitation crisis in Gaza. One such initiative is the establishment of decentralized water treatment and distribution systems, which can provide clean, affordable water to neighborhoods that have been cut off from the main water network.
In the Rafah region, for instance, we have supported the creation of a community-managed water treatment plant that uses a combination of sand filtration and chlorination to purify groundwater. This system not only ensures access to clean water, but also creates local jobs and builds a sense of ownership among residents. To further enhance sustainability, we have trained community members in the operation and maintenance of the plant, ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills to keep it running long-term.
Collaborative Approaches to Advocacy and Policy Change
In addition to supporting community-based initiatives, Joint Action for Water also works to influence policy and advocate for systemic changes that address the root causes of the water and sanitation crisis in Gaza. By partnering with local organizations, international NGOs, and UN agencies, we amplify the voices of Gazan communities and push for greater accountability, equitable resource allocation, and the protection of water and sanitation infrastructure.
One such collaborative effort is our work with the Palestinian Center for Human Rights to document and report on the destruction of water and sanitation facilities during the 2021 conflict. By gathering and analyzing data from the ground, we have been able to build a robust case for holding all parties accountable and ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated to rebuilding and strengthening this critical infrastructure.
Building a Resilient and Sustainable Future
Ultimately, our approach at Joint Action for Water is centered on empowering local communities and fostering long-term, sustainable solutions to the water and sanitation crisis in Gaza. By amplifying community voices, supporting innovative local initiatives, and advocating for systemic change, we believe that the people of Gaza can not only rebuild, but also create a more resilient and equitable water and sanitation system for the future.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility to Restore and Protect
The destruction of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure is a devastating humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and action from the international community. As the data shows, an alarming 67% of these critical systems have been destroyed since the 2021 conflict, leaving hundreds of thousands of Gazans without access to clean water and proper sanitation.
The consequences of this devastation are far-reaching, affecting public health, food security, and the overall wellbeing of the region’s most vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, and newborns. The lack of access to clean water and proper waste management has led to a surge in waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and other life-threatening conditions.
Rebuilding Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure is a complex and daunting task, made even more challenging by the ongoing conflict and the lack of sustained, safe access for aid organizations. Despite these obstacles, the international community must prioritize this effort and work collaboratively to support community-driven solutions that empower local residents to become active participants in the process.
At Joint Action for Water, we are committed to amplifying the voices of Gazan communities, fostering innovative, locally-driven initiatives, and advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of this crisis. By working in partnership with local organizations, NGOs, and UN agencies, we believe that we can restore critical water and sanitation services, while also building a more resilient and sustainable future for the people of Gaza.
Ultimately, the restoration and protection of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure is a collective responsibility that transcends political boundaries. It is a humanitarian imperative that requires the unwavering commitment and concerted efforts of the international community to ensure that all people, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the basic human rights of clean water and proper sanitation. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis and pave the way for a more just and equitable future.
