Fri Apr 11 12:23:25 UTC 2025: ## Gaza City Faces Severe Water Crisis Amidst Ongoing Conflict

**GAZA CITY** – Hundreds of thousands of Gaza City residents are facing a critical water shortage after Israeli military operations damaged a key pipeline supplying 70% of the city’s water. The disruption, following the Israeli army’s renewed offensive in the Shejaia neighborhood, has left many residents forced to walk miles for meager amounts of water.

Municipal authorities report that the pipeline, operated by Israel’s Mekorot water utility, was damaged during the bombardment and subsequent ground offensive. This has exacerbated an already dire situation, leaving residents with limited access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

“Since morning, I have been waiting for water,” said 42-year-old Faten Nassar, reflecting the widespread desperation. “There are no stations and no trucks coming. There is no water.” Similar sentiments were echoed by 64-year-old Adel Al-Hourani, who described the arduous journey for water as exhausting.

The crisis is further compounded by the displacement of most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people due to the ongoing conflict. Many are now relying on dwindling supplies from a few remaining, often contaminated, wells in remote areas. The situation has been described as a “real thirst crisis” by Husni Mhana, a spokesperson for the Gaza municipality, who warns of a worsening situation if the pipeline remains out of service.

The Israeli military has yet to comment on the damaged pipeline. The water shortage is just one of many challenges facing Gaza’s residents amidst the ongoing conflict, which has already claimed the lives of over 50,800 Palestinians, according to Palestinian authorities. Prior to the recent offensive, Gaza’s water infrastructure was already severely strained due to years of conflict, limited resources, and a heavily polluted coastal aquifer. A previous report indicated that more than 85% of Gaza’s water and sanitation facilities were damaged or destroyed, resulting in water supply rates plummeting to an average of 3-5 liters per person per day – far below the minimum required for survival.

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