Gaza "dying of thirst" as water systems collapse: water authority

11/5/2025 6:48

The Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) warned on Saturday that the Gaza Strip is facing a water crisis and "dying of thirst" due to the near-total collapse of water and sanitation services amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.



In a statement, the authority said Israeli military operations, widespread infrastructure damage, power outages, and restrictions on fuel and essential supplies have brought water services to a near standstill.



The PWA reported that 85 percent of water and sanitation facilities in the enclave have been severely damaged, leaving residents with an average of just three to five liters of water per person per day -- well below the World Health Organization's minimum emergency standard of 15 liters.



The statement also warned of growing public health risks, citing the discharge of untreated wastewater into residential areas and the use of salty, undrinkable water by residents.