UN says Israeli restrictions disrupt 70% of Gaza City's water supply

The United Nations has warned that a severe water crisis is unfolding in Gaza City, with 70% of its water production currently disrupted due to Israeli restrictions on essential repair materials. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the breakdown is linked to damage on a key supply line from Israel, and the inability to import a simple section of steel pipe needed for the fix.

Blocked Repairs and "Dual-Use" Restrictions

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq stated that an assessment identified the need for a steel pipe section unavailable in Gaza and restricted from entry by Israel as a "dual-use" item—material that could potentially have military applications. Furthermore, Haq noted that Israel denied a separate UN request on Sunday to repair a critical well. "Our partners are looking at alternative water sources and scaling up water trucking to ensure continued access to safe water," he said, while emphasizing that expanded access to such restricted items is essential for restoring basic services.

Compounding Humanitarian Catastrophe in Winter

The water shortage compounds an already dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by winter conditions. Haq reported another child's death linked to hypothermia, bringing the total cold-weather fatalities this season to nine. He called for "urgent solutions, including allowing the entry of batteries, solar panels, and other energy sources" to establish communal heating spaces. Since the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have resulted in hundreds of Palestinian casualties, and severe restrictions persist on food, shelter materials, and medical supplies.

Broader Context of Destruction and Suffering

The current crisis occurs within the broader devastation of the Gaza Strip since October 2023, where over 71,000 Palestinians have been killed and 90% of civilian infrastructure destroyed, with reconstruction costs estimated at $70 billion. Approximately 2.4 million people remain in increasingly desperate conditions. Israel maintains control over more than half of Gaza's territory, including buffer zones, which continues to hinder relief and recovery efforts. The situation underscores the critical need for unimpeded humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life.