Water Crisis Looms in Gaza as Israel Cuts Off Supply
GAZA CITY, March 16 (Bernama-Anadolu) – Municipal authorities in Gaza have warned of a looming and severe water crisis that could lead to widespread thirst amid Israel’s continued closure of border crossings and threats to cut the water supply.
Mekorot Water Line Supplies 70% of Gaza’s Daily Water Needs
The Gaza Municipality stated that the Mekorot water line supplies Gaza City with approximately 70% of its daily water needs. If the water supply from this line is cut off, it could lead to a major water shortage, threatening the lives of civilians and causing a deterioration in public health, with the potential spread of diseases.
Israel’s Ongoing Blockade and Threats to Cut Off Water Supply
Mekorot, an Israeli water company, is one of the primary sources of water for the Gaza Strip. The company operates under complete Israeli control, making it a key leverage point in the ongoing blockade of Gaza. Since the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement ended in early March, Israel has once again closed all Gaza crossings and blocked the entry of humanitarian aid.
Severe Consequences of Water and Electricity Cuts
The closure and Israel’s cutting of electricity supply to Gaza have led to the shutdown of essential water and sewage treatment facilities, worsening the already dire humanitarian conditions in the territory. Israeli officials have repeatedly threatened to sever both electricity and water supplies to Gaza as a method of exerting pressure on the Palestinian group Hamas.
Gaza Municipality Calls for Increased Pressure on Israeli Occupation
The Gaza Municipality has called for increased pressure on the Israeli occupation "to respect international laws and agreements, and to ensure the uninterrupted supply of water and energy sources." The ceasefire agreement, which took hold in January, halted Israel’s brutal military campaign on Gaza, which has killed more than 48,500 people, mostly women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.
Conclusion
The situation in Gaza is dire, and the looming water crisis threatens to exacerbate the already severe humanitarian conditions in the territory. It is imperative that international pressure is brought to bear on Israel to respect international laws and agreements and ensure the uninterrupted supply of water and energy sources to the people of Gaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current water supply situation in Gaza?
A: The Gaza municipality is warning of a looming and severe water crisis, with the Mekorot water line supplying 70% of Gaza City’s daily water needs.
Q: Why is Israel cutting off the water supply?
A: Israel has threatened to cut off the water supply as a method of exerting pressure on the Palestinian group Hamas.
Q: What are the consequences of the water and electricity cuts?
A: The cuts have led to the shutdown of essential water and sewage treatment facilities, worsening the already dire humanitarian conditions in the territory.
Q: What is the Gaza Municipality calling for?
A: The Gaza Municipality is calling for increased pressure on the Israeli occupation to respect international laws and agreements and ensure the uninterrupted supply of water and energy sources.