Water Crisis Intensifies: 97% of Water in Gaza Undrinkable

A Crisis Reaching Unprecedented Levels

The struggle for survival in Gaza has entered a harrowing new phase, as the availability of safe drinking water has virtually vanished. A staggering 97% of the water in the Gaza Strip is now undrinkable, a direct consequence of the long-standing blockade, damaged infrastructure, and the unprecedented strain of mass displacement. This is not a looming threat; it is a full-blown public health catastrophe unfolding in real-time, forcing over two million people to choose between dehydration and disease.

The Weight of a Protracted Siege

For years, Gaza's water infrastructure has been crumbling under the weight of a blockade that restricts the entry of essential materials for repair and maintenance. The coastal aquifer, Gaza's primary water source, has been over-extracted and contaminated with seawater and sewage, rendering it almost entirely unusable. The recent escalation of conflict has pushed this fragile system to complete collapse. Desalination plants, the last hope for clean water, have been damaged or forced to shut down due to fuel shortages, leaving the population with dangerously limited options. The long-term health implications are dire, with doctors reporting a surge in kidney problems, skin infections, and waterborne diseases like typhoid and hepatitis, which are particularly lethal for infants and the elderly. The lack of clean water is not just a matter of thirst; it is a slow-motion health disaster that threatens to overwhelm the already crippled medical system.

"We Are Drinking a Slow Poison"

Fatima, a mother of four displaced from Khan Younis, now lives in a makeshift tent in Rafah. Her story is a testament to the daily struggle. "Every morning, my children ask for water, and every morning, I have to give them the same salty, contaminated water that makes them sick," she says, her voice heavy with despair. "We are drinking a slow poison, but what choice do we have? The clean water is for the rich, for those who can afford the black-market prices. For us, there is only this." Her youngest son, Ali, suffers from a chronic stomach illness, a common affliction for children in Gaza who are forced to consume the contaminated water.

The Data of Despair

The scale of the crisis is difficult to comprehend, but the numbers paint a grim picture:

• Over 2 million people are affected by the water shortage.
• Less than 3% of the water from Gaza's aquifer is safe to drink.
• Water-related illnesses, such as diarrhea and cholera, are on the rise, particularly among children.
• The average person in Gaza has access to less than 3 liters of water per day for all their needs, far below the 100 liters recommended by the World Health Organization.

Yafa Relief, a leading Gaza Charity, on the Frontlines

In the face of this overwhelming crisis, Yafa Relief is on the ground, working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance. Our teams are operating mobile water desalination units, which are a lifeline for thousands of families. However, the challenges are immense. Fuel shortages, damaged roads, and the constant threat of bombardment make every delivery a high-risk operation. Our resources are stretched to the limit, and the need for clean water continues to grow exponentially. Beyond the physical dangers, our teams must navigate complex bureaucratic hurdles and a severe lack of spare parts for the desalination units. We are constantly coordinating with local authorities and international partners to secure safe passage and essential supplies, but the process is slow and often interrupted. Each mobile unit we operate provides an average of 10,000 liters of potable water daily, but this only scratches the surface of the demand. The sustainability of this effort is entirely dependent on continuous external support.

Your Support is a Lifeline

The people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and right now, it is a right that is being denied to millions. We cannot stand by while an entire population is poisoned. Your support can make a tangible difference. A small donation can provide a family with clean drinking water for a week. Please, do not look away. Your compassion can be a lifeline. Donate now and help us bring clean, safe water to the families who need it most.