All central desalination stations and wastewater treatment plants in Gaza have ceased operations due to Israel’s 16-month blockade and ongoing war, cutting off 85% of the region’s freshwater sources. Engineer Zahdi Al-Ghreez, advisor to the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Local Government, revealed that the central desalination station, which produced 16,000 cubic meters of water daily for central and southern Gaza, has stopped functioning after the main electricity line was severed.  

With 70% of Gaza’s freshwater supply now lost, residents are forced to rely on unsafe water, posing severe health risks. Operating alternative generators is nearly impossible, as they have been targeted by Israeli forces, and fuel shortages persist. Al-Ghreez added that 296 private and public desalination stations, crucial for providing drinking water, have suffered 90% damage or disruption.  

Additionally, three central and five main wastewater treatment plants have halted operations, exacerbating the crisis. The destruction of Gaza’s water infrastructure has left its population in dire straits, with no immediate solution in sight.