Gaza Water Access Falls to 7% of Pre-Conflict Levels, Oxfam Reports

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with Oxfam reporting that water access has plummeted to less than 7 percent of pre-war levels due to extensive destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure during the conflict. Over 1,675 kilometers of water networks have been damaged, particularly in northern Gaza and Rafah, where nearly all water wells are destroyed, leaving hundreds of thousands without access to clean water. Many families are struggling to secure water, often resorting to communal sources and facing health risks from the lack of sanitation. The destruction has also heightened the risk of waterborne diseases, creating a public health emergency. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli restrictions on heavy equipment and aid have hampered recovery efforts, further complicating the already dire situation. Humanitarian workers highlight the urgent need for international aid and the restoration of infrastructure to prevent a full-scale disaster in the region.