Gaza water crisis deepens as sewage floods streets, disease risks rise

A view of wastewater puddle is seen as the water crisis deepens due to the severe infrastructure damage caused by ongoing Israeli attacks despite the ceasefire and the denial of necessary equipment in Gaza City, Gaza, Palestine on June 04, 2026. The absence of a sewage system in the western part of Gaza City is leading to the spread of foul odors, the proliferation of rodents, and environmental pollution.

Health risks

Civilians living in unsanitary conditions surrounded by sewage water and heaps of garbage face the risk of contracting epidemic diseases due to the failure to collect waste and the inability to meet basic personal hygiene needs. The World Health Organization has previously warned of disease outbreaks in Gaza amid the collapse of water and sanitation infrastructure.

Ceasefire violations

Despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025, Israeli forces have continued daily violations, blocking the entry of equipment needed to repair sewage systems and water infrastructure. The UN has estimated that 90% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure has been destroyed during the war.

Gaza war toll

Israel's war on Gaza since October 2023 has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 172,000. Reconstruction costs are estimated at $70 billion.