Gaza’s essential services have been brought to a standstill as the electricity crisis worsens, plunging the health and water sectors into chaos. Mohammad Thabet, director of public relations at Gaza’s electricity distribution company, revealed that power has been cut off since the first day of Israel’s aggression, with the central desalination plant—a lifeline for one million displaced people—now disconnected.  

The plant, which had been partially operational since mid-December, was shut down days ago after losing its temporary 5-kilowatt supply from international organizations. Thabet warned that the lack of clean water could trigger the spread of diseases and epidemics, compounding the humanitarian catastrophe.  

Gaza’s electricity network lies in ruins. Israel previously supplied 10 main power lines, all severed at the start of the war, leading to the destruction of 70% of distribution networks and 90% of storage facilities. The blackout has crippled water wells, disrupted education, and threatens a full-blown health and environmental disaster.  

Salama Marouf, head of the Government Media Office, condemned Israel’s actions as a continuation of genocide, urging the international community to intervene immediately, lift the siege, and ensure the entry of aid. For Gaza’s people, the crisis is a daily struggle for survival in the face of relentless deprivation.