Israel strikes Gaza water desalination plant amid ceasefire tensions

Israeli airstrikes targeted and destroyed a water desalination plant in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, along with a nearby prayer hall. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned the attack, stating it constitutes a direct violation of the ceasefire agreement and represents a continuation of efforts to destroy Gaza’s basic means of survival.

The destruction of the plant exacerbates an existing water crisis in the territory, where daily water production has dropped from approximately 300,000 cubic meters before the conflict to less than 120,000. Gaza currently faces a water deficit exceeding 60%.

The ceasefire, mediated by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, was intended to end attacks on the Gaza Strip. While a second phase of the plan involves a phased Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of an international stabilization force, implementation has faced obstacles, including opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the disarmament of resistance groups.