Gaza Strip water and sanitation crisis

The Gaza Strip is experiencing a severe water and sanitation crisis driven by critical shortages of fuel, diesel, and essential oils. In mid-August 2026, the Union of Municipalities warned of an imminent collapse of water and sewage systems, noting that only 40 out of approximately 700 generators were operational due to a lack of fuel. This shortage halted the operation of water wells and sewage pumping stations, leaving over two million people at risk of thirst and increasing the threat of waterborne diseases as sewage overflowed into streets and displacement camps.

By September 2026, humanitarian efforts focused on direct water distribution to mitigate the crisis. Komnas Palestina distributed 300,000 liters of clean water via 75 tankers to approximately 13,000 residents across 11 displacement camps in the Mawashiy area of Khan Younis. Despite these interventions, data from UNICEF indicates that 82% of households face water insecurity, with up to 70% of the population unable to access the minimum required 6 liters of water per person per day for drinking and cooking.