The Water Crisis in Gaza: A Deepening Humanitarian Emergency in 2025

Water crisis in Gaza reached record highs in 2025, where more than two million residents had little or no regular access to drinking water. It is this conflict-and-pollution-caused human crisis that continues to pose a threat to public health and dignity in a highly densely populated region of the world.

2025: Worsening Conditions Despite Global Awareness

In 2025, even with more international attention and media coverage, the water crisis in Gaza worsened. In a recent report, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated that more than 95% of Gaza’s population is now dependent on sub-WHO safety-standard water sources.

Two of Gaza’s biggest sewage treatment plants have recently been destroyed in recent hostilities, and therefore, sewage has run directly into the Mediterranean Sea. Not only is the water table in the area becoming increasingly contaminated, but Gaza beaches — which were once a favorite family outing — are now unsafe to swim in because they have become contaminated.

Furthermore, in early 2025, fuel shortages led to the shutdown of several solar-powered desalination units that were previously considered a sustainable solution. This has increased pressure on humanitarian organizations, who are now delivering more than 12 million liters of water weekly just to meet basic survival needs.

Causes of Water crisis in Gaza

Overexploitation of the Coastal Aquifer

Gaza uses only the coastal aquifer, which has been over-exploited for years. Today, more than 97% of this water is not fit for human consumption as it is seawater intrusion-filled and nitrate-filled.

Damage to Water Infrastructure

Ongoing hostilities and air bombings have collapsed major infrastructure facilities like sewage water treatment plants, water pipes, and desalination facilities. The material inadequacy on account of the blockade also hampers any feasible repairs or servicing.

Lack of Alternative Water Sources
In contrast with other areas, Gaza has a short supply of fresh water resources. Rainwater supply and groundwater outlets are not sufficiently available to service daily requirements.

Electricity Shortages
Pumps and water treatment plants are dependent on a continuous power supply, but prolonged power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day paralyze the whole water system.

Impact on Public Health

The polluted drinking water has produced an astronomical quantity of waterborne diseases, particularly among children. The most common frequently occurring diseases due to Water crisis in Gaza are: 

• Diarrhea

• Intestinal infections

• Skin conditions

• Kidney failure

Hospitals are increasingly struggling to keep up sanitation and hygiene standards, thus aggravating the humanitarian crisis.

Current Efforts & Possible Solutions

Water crisis in Gaza has resulted in dependence on finite solutions. Minor desalination plants provide some clean drinking water, but not enough for all. Water trucking by NGOs serves poor areas, but neither sustainably nor at scale. Solar-powered water pumps in certain areas assist where electricity is inconsistent, providing hope against increasing water scarcity.

Challenges Going Forward

In order to address the water crisis in gaza, the importation of water equipment and building materials should no longer be restricted. Investment in wastewater treatment facilities and enhanced cross-border cooperation for cooperative water management are also needed. Otherwise, long-term access to safe water continues to be out of reach.

Alhamdulillah, Children’s Aid is helping — Join us to bring clean water to Gaza.

During this critical and tragic moment in the history of Gaza, Children’s Aid has responded. Our team is on the ground now, distributing water tanks and clean drinking water to shelters, hospitals, families, children, and shelters across the region. We do our best to overcome Water crisis in Gaza.

But the need is gigantic — and we can’t possibly do it alone.

We ask you to be charitable with your donations and hearts. Every amount is a hope for a desperate family. Together, we can lessen the anguish and stand with the people of Gaza during their time of crisis.

Donate now. Help us provide life. Help us provide water.