Water running out in Gaza — when access to water becomes a matter of life and death
In France, the first water restrictions are coming into force. Some prefectures are imposing limits on use in response to drought.
But in Gaza, the water shortage has nothing to do with the climate: it is the consequence of a blockade, massive destruction and a system in its death throes.
For months, desalination plants have been at a standstill, destroyed or deprived of electricity. Water infrastructure is in ruins. The result: unsafe water poisoning a population already exhausted by war.
Diseases are exploding. Children are falling ill
Acute diarrhoea, intestinal infections, hepatitis, skin diseases… Epidemics are spreading in the displacement camps.
Children, already weakened by hunger and trauma, are the first victims. And in a territory where the health system has collapsed, every fever becomes a life-threatening emergency.
Washing becomes a luxury. Hydrating a baby, a feat. Surviving, a constant struggle.
What HuSoMe is doing on the ground: a race against time
When water has not flowed for days, you have to organise so that life can go on.
Every day, our teams distribute 20,000 litres of drinking water in the camps of northern and southern Gaza.
That is what allows thousands of families to hold on… one more day.
But let us be clear: it is a drop in an ocean of need.
On the ground, the figures speak for themselves — and they are chilling:
- 63 wells and reservoirs out of service
- 75% of wells destroyed by Israeli strikes
- 70% of water came from Israel before 7 October 2023 — that line is now cut
- 100,000 litres of water lost every day since the destruction of the main station
- 115,000 metres of pipes smashed to pieces
Giving water means giving life — and keeping hope alive
“In Gaza, water has become a lifeline. Those who lack it — often children, single mothers, the sick — ask only for one gesture: that someone reach out to them.
But all over the world, in the face of similar challenges, solutions are emerging. Innovation, solidarity and human will can move mountains — or make springs flow.
We can still act.
Distribute more. Repair what can be repaired. Prepare for tomorrow.
Every drop counts. Every gift saves. Every outstretched hand prolongs a life.
Let us not allow this thirst to devour childhood.
Let us not allow the lack of water to become an ordinary spectacle.
Let us stay on the side of life. Always.
Giving water means giving life.
And believing, again and always, that a future is possible.”
Dr Raphaël Pitti, President of HuSoMe
