The United Nations has warned that thousands of families in Gaza are forced to rely on contaminated sea water for their daily needs as Israel continues to block most of the humanitarian aid in the war-torn Palestinian enclave. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) stated that in Gaza’s scorching summer heat, children have to wait in long queues to access minimal amounts of water.
The situation is dire, with Gaza municipality spokesperson Husnu Mehna revealing that the Israeli army has destroyed 42 water wells and seawater desalination plants. The UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described Gaza as a “living hell” for more than 2 million people.
The conflict has resulted in over 37,600 Palestinian deaths since October, with the latest reports warning of a “high and sustained risk” of famine persisting across the Gaza Strip as long as the war continues.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by the lack of safe and unimpeded access to the territory, with UNRWA urging urgent action to save lives.