WHO and other humanitarian aid organizations continuously calling about the Israel-Hamas’ war is tearing humanity apart and this war is being fought on many fronts simultaneously, now there is a fear from Gaza that assume that Gaza’s next big threat about infectious diseases i.e. Cholera and others may occur in Gaza strip region. Global humanitarian aid organizations have warned that if aid is not allowed in, the next major threat to the Gaza Strip could be deadly water-borne diseases.
As the conflict in Gaza rages on, the situation for its inhabitants has grown increasingly dire, with looming threats of a water and health catastrophe. Israel’s decision to cut off essential services, including water, electricity, and fuel, is taking a severe toll on the civilian population. Humanitarian organizations warn of the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, as untreated sewage is released into the sea and people are forced to drink contaminated water. With limited access to clean water and sanitary facilities, the risk of a public health crisis is mounting.
The Collapse of Water and Sanitation Services in Gaza
One of the most critical issues Gaza faces is the collapse of its water and sanitation services. Israel’s blockade has not only disrupted the supply of clean water but also hampered sewage treatment facilities. Most of Gaza’s sewage pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants have been forced to shut down due to the lack of electricity, which is essential for their operation. The consequence is untreated sewage being discharged into the sea, contaminating the coastal waters.
Desalination plants, which provide a vital source of fresh water in this arid region, have also stopped functioning due to the power shortage. Municipalities are unable to pump water to residential areas, and the situation has forced people to resort to desperate measures, such as drinking salty tap water from the heavily contaminated aquifer or seawater.
The United Nations reports that currently, only three liters of water are available per person in Gaza for all their daily needs, including drinking, washing, cooking, and flushing toilets. This is far below the recommended 50-100 liters per day, as advised by the World Health Organization for basic health and hygiene requirements.
A Harsh Reality for Gaza’s Residents
Gaza’s residents are grappling with the harsh reality of this water crisis. Many families have had to adapt by rationing water. Children are being taught to manage limited water resources, a skill that should be unthinkable in today’s world. As supplies dwindle, the situation is growing increasingly desperate.
In densely populated areas, families are sharing limited living spaces, sometimes accommodating up to 100 people in a 200-square-meter apartment. The overcrowded conditions make it challenging to maintain basic hygiene practices, further exacerbating the risk of disease transmission.
For those without shelter, the situation is even more dire. Families, including children and newborns, are left without protection, adequate water, or food. They are forced to seek refuge on the streets, exposing them to the elements, dehydration, and waterborne diseases.
Humanitarian Aid: A Critical Need
Humanitarian organizations, such as Oxfam, have repeatedly called for immediate aid to Gaza to address the growing water and health crisis. To mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases, Gaza requires an influx of clean water, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance. The aid is stockpiled at the Rafah border crossing, the sole entry point for humanitarian aid into Gaza. This aid must be allowed to pass through the border and reach those in need without further delay.
The impact of the ongoing conflict has also resulted in a dire shortage of medical facilities, with several hospitals no longer operational. The overcrowding of the remaining facilities has created challenges for patient care and hygiene, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate the “epic human suffering” in Gaza. However, recent efforts at the United Nations to pass a resolution for a humanitarian pause in Israel’s bombardment have been met with a US veto, further delaying much-needed relief.
A Race Against Time
The situation in Gaza is a race against time. With the ongoing conflict and continued denial of essential resources, the risk of waterborne diseases and a broader public health catastrophe continues to mount. While humanitarian organizations stand ready to provide assistance, the political will to prioritize humanitarian needs remains essential.
For those living in the midst of this crisis, hope is dwindling as they grapple with limited access to clean water and deteriorating living conditions. It is crucial that aid agencies are granted the safe passage to provide the relief that Gaza’s inhabitants so desperately need. In the face of this impending water and health catastrophe, the international community must act swiftly to prevent further suffering in Gaza.
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