As temperatures rise and the war grinds on, Gaza is plunging into a catastrophic water crisis. More than two million Palestinians now face life-threatening dehydration, trapped under siege and stripped of access to safe drinking water. The destruction of vital infrastructure, a relentless fuel blockade, and the shutdown of Israel’s Mekorot water line have left families across the Strip with barely a few litres to survive on each day.

In Deir al-Balah, the main desalination plant has fallen silent. With no electricity and no fuel, water production has stopped entirely. Tens of thousands of displaced people now join the city’s residents in a desperate search for water that no longer flows. “There’s simply nothing left,” said the mayor, Nizar Ayash. “Even the emergency reserves are dry.”

Khan Younis is faring no better. More than 75% of its water infrastructure has been destroyed. Reservoirs lie empty, wells are either inoperable or damaged beyond repair, and fuel supplies meet only a fraction of daily demand. In some areas, technical teams are unable even to assess the damage because of ongoing Israeli military operations.

The situation in Gaza City is just as dire. With 100 wells out of service and its desalination plant levelled, the city now relies on less than 15% of its water needs. “Children are surviving on three litres a day—less than the bare minimum,” warned municipal spokesperson Husni Mahana. “We’re on the brink of an outbreak. Hygiene is collapsing in overcrowded shelters, and we can’t do anything about it.”

Across Gaza, there is one clear demand: immediate international intervention. But so far, as fuel tanks empty and water taps run dry, the world continues to watch as Gaza’s thirst turns fatal.