Gaza is facing an escalating humanitarian disaster as the Israeli occupation’s ongoing siege and destruction of infrastructure push essential services to collapse. Water, sanitation, and waste management systems are failing, raising the risk of widespread disease among more than two million residents.

For ten consecutive days, the Israeli occupation has prevented humanitarian aid from entering, including fuel essential for operating water wells and sewage treatment plants. Maher Salem, Director of Water and Sanitation at Gaza Municipality, warned that water supply levels have dropped to just 10 litres per person per day—a mere 10% of the standard amount—as Israeli forces have completely destroyed 47 wells and damaged 17 others.

The sanitation system is also in crisis, with eight sewage pumping stations destroyed, forcing authorities to divert untreated wastewater into rainwater basins that are now at full capacity. In Gaza City alone, over 500,000 cubic metres of sewage is accumulating, threatening groundwater contamination and the spread of disease. The destruction of 655,000 metres of sewage networks has left entire neighbourhoods without proper sanitation, while 88% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been decimated.

Waste collection has also ceased due to fuel shortages, leaving 190,000 cubic metres of rubbish piling up in streets and residential areas. With rising temperatures, the situation is worsening as insects and disease spread at an alarming rate. Describing the crisis as “an unprecedented environmental and health disaster,” Salem urged immediate international intervention to restore essential services, warning that without urgent action, the situation could spiral further out of control.