Diminishing Water Resources in Gaza Pose Serious Risks to Public Health

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The scarcity of uncontaminated water in the Gaza Strip has escalated into a significant public health crisis.

“The situation in Gaza is dire; both water and life are depleting at an alarming rate,” stated Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations agency dedicated to Palestinian issues.

Conventionally, Gaza’s water requirements have been met through a diverse array of sources, which encompass a pipeline originating from Israel, desalination facilities along the Mediterranean coast, and natural wells. However, these resources were severely curtailed after Israel terminated the water supply, along with the fuel and electricity necessary to operate water treatment and sewage facilities, following attacks by Hamas.

The United Nations identifies access to water as a fundamental human right. The human body requires a continuous intake of water for survival. “Aside from oxygen, water is fundamentally crucial for sustaining human health,” remarked Dr. Tsion Firew, an emergency medical physician at Columbia University who has experience in humanitarian water access issues.

A study by the U.S. National Academies of Science and Medicine recommends that men should consume approximately 3.7 liters (125 ounces) and women around 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of water per day to stay sufficiently hydrated. Most of this hydration typically comes from drinking water or other liquids, with approximately 20% being derived from food sources, including fruits.

The absence of water can be life-threatening within a matter of days, particularly for at-risk populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health issues, stated Dr. Firew. Dehydration can manifest symptoms like fatigue, confusion, and dizziness, and in extreme cases, can lead to organ failure and fatality.

The availability of clean water is indispensable for sanitation purposes as well. The dearth of potable water can facilitate the proliferation of water-borne diseases like cholera and dysentery. Diarrheal illnesses, which can be propagated by contaminated water, are the principal cause of mortality among children under the age of five globally, according to Dr. Firew.

Healthcare facilities are especially vulnerable in this context, as they are dependent on a consistent supply of clean water to treat patients who are ill or injured. Amidst the ongoing challenges faced by hospitals throughout the Gaza Strip in attending to a large number of patients, the World Health Organization has issued a warning that the water shortage is compromising lives.

“Water is integral for maintaining sanitary conditions in patient wards, operating theaters, and emergency units. It is vital for inhibiting hospital-acquired infections and for averting outbreaks within healthcare settings,” declared the World Health Organization in an official communication.

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This article is brought to you by the Health and Science Department of The Big Big News, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP holds sole responsibility for the content presented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Water Scarcity in Gaza

More about Water Scarcity in Gaza

• United Nations Statement on Water as a Human Right
• World Health Organization on Water Scarcity and Health
• U.S. National Academies of Science and Medicine on Hydration Guidelines
• Columbia University Faculty Profile: Dr. Tsion Firew
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group
• AP (Associated Press) Editorial Guidelines
• Global Impact of Diarrheal Diseases on Children Under 5