The recent escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip has exacerbated an already dire water crisis, leaving the enclave's 2.2 million residents struggling to access even basic drinking water.

According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the average Gazan now has access to just 3-15 liters of water per day - a mere fraction of the 50-100 liters recommended by the United Nations for personal and domestic use. 
"The situation is truly dire," said Nidal Al Barrawi, a resident of Rafah who has been forced to relocate from northern Gaza. "We spend hours queuing at distribution points, just to fill a few containers with water that is often contaminated and unfit for consumption." 
The water crisis has been exacerbated by the broader destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, including power plants and sewage treatment facilities. This has led to widespread contamination of the coastal aquifer, the region's sole natural freshwater source, further limiting access to safe drinking water. 
Humanitarian organizations have warned that the lack of clean water is fueling the spread of waterborne diseases and creating an "apocalyptic" situation, with hospitals struggling to provide even basic medical care. 
Rebuilding Gaza's shattered water system will require substantial financial investment and the removal of the longstanding Israeli blockade, which has hindered infrastructure development and maintenance for years. Experts say that resolving the water crisis is crucial not only for alleviating the immediate suffering of Gazans but also for laying the foundation for long-term stability and recovery in the region.