Gaza: Head of the Gaza Water Authority, Eng. Saadi Ali revealed the extent of the losses and massive destruction of the water sector and irrigation networks in the strip, which the occupation deliberately destroyed and cut off services to citizens during the aggression on Gaza.
According to Qatar News Agency, Ali said that the extent of the damage and losses in the water sector exceeds 85 percent, explaining that the occupation forces targeted critical water infrastructure, including sources, distribution networks, wastewater treatment facilities, sewage lines, and desalination plants, severely disrupting access to clean water for the population.
He estimated the value of destroyed international water projects in Gaza at around $3 billion, encompassing infrastructure, equipment, solar energy systems, desalination pumps, and other vital assets. He also reported the destruction of 725 central water wells and 134 freshwater projects, while over 700,000 meters of water pipelines were damaged due to bombardment and ground incursions.
The Head of the Water Authority warned that the Gaza Strip is facing a major crisis, affecting the entire water sector and all its components and facilities, directly negatively impacting citizens.
He explained that, in light of the fuel shortage, the Water Authority, municipalities, and relevant authorities have been unable to provide services to citizens except partially and limitedly, with the remaining facilities that were not destroyed. They rely on aging energy generators that are worn out and in need of maintenance and spare parts. He pointed out that during the two years of the aggression on Gaza, no spare parts or oil have been imported for the generators, which are at risk of shutting down at any time and are only operated for six hours per day.
Despite a ceasefire agreement, he stressed that no materials, equipment, or machinery have been allowed into Gaza to support the water and sanitation sectors, further deepening the crisis. Clean water remains largely unavailable across neighborhoods and displacement camps, home to thousands of displaced people.
To address the crisis, the Water Authority has developed recovery plans in coordination with local and international partners. However, implementation remains stalled due to the continued closure of border crossings and restrictions on importing necessary supplies.
Ali emphasized that restoring basic water services, ensuring at least 50 liters per person per day, requires urgent rehabilitation of destroyed wells, desalination facilities, and sewage treatment plants.
He also warned that water and sewage systems in the neighborhoods and streets of the Gaza Strip are intertwined due to Israeli destruction and bulldozing, raising the threat of disease outbreaks, particularly among children.
With winter approaching, he highlighted the risk of flooding in Gaza City, especially due to the destruction of the Sheikh Radwan water basin. Eight sewage pumps in Gaza have stopped functioning completely or partially, further compounding the risk of sewage leakage into groundwater and drinking supplies.
Ali concluded by calling for the immediate reopening of border crossings to allow the entry of spare parts, pipes, and pumps essential for repairs and reconstruction, stressing that this is a cornerstone for restoring water services and preventing a full-scale environmental and health catastrophe.