Gaza City faces 70% water deficit as wells run out of fuel

The Gaza Municipality reported that the city is experiencing a 70% water deficit, with daily supply falling to about 30,000 cubic metres from the pre‑war need of 100,000. About 85% of the central wells have been destroyed and 72 wells are out of service, while more than 150,000 metres of water pipelines and the main desalination plant (providing roughly 10% of the city's needs) have been damaged.

Over one million residents are now coping with severe water shortages, waiting hours for limited quantities and receiving only 10‑20 litres per person per day—far below WHO recommendations. The crisis is worsened by chronic fuel and oil shortages that prevent operation of wells and pumping stations, a lack of spare parts, and more than 25 million tonnes of rubble blocking repair work. Municipality spokesman Hosni Muhanna appealed for urgent financial and technical assistance, warning that the situation threatens public health and basic hygiene amid rising temperatures and continued displacement.

The municipality highlighted additional challenges, including power outages, restricted entry of equipment and materials, and the difficulty of reaching heavily damaged neighbourhoods.