Despite a declared ceasefire Gaza residents continue to face an acute water crisis. With power supply cut off water purification plants remain largely inoperative, forcing many to consume saltwater. According to UNICEF, only one in ten Gazans currently has access to clean drinking water.

Under scorching heat, families, including children, endure hours in long queues for limited water supplies. Government water tankers arrive just once a week — far from meeting the population’s needs.

Israel’s blockade on electricity has severely impacted Gaza’s desalination plants, worsening the crisis. Previously capable of purifying 18,000 cubic meters of water daily, these plants now manage just 2,000 cubic meters due to power shortages.

Residents report receiving one tanker every seven days when they require at least two per day. Many have resorted to drinking contaminated water, raising concerns about rising illnesses.

“Even the government-provided water now tastes salty,” lamented one resident. “Our children are falling sick.”

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The worsening crisis has left many unable to access clean water for cooking, cleaning, or even breaking fast during Ramadan. UNICEF has highlighted the alarming situation, emphasizing the urgent need for clean water access to prevent further humanitarian disaster.