The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has issued a stark warning that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing a severe threat of dying from dehydration.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, UNRWA underscored the worsening water crisis, stating that the collapse of Gaza’s water infrastructure has left many families at risk of dying from thirst.
According to the agency, only 40% of Gaza’s water production facilities remain functional, pushing the region toward what it described as a “man-made drought.”
The agency further noted that the amount of water it was able to distribute during the ceasefire has been significantly reduced due to continued Israeli attacks, mass displacement, and a blockade that has restricted fuel supplies for more than 100 days.
Additionally, UNRWA reported that fuel required to run water wells has been depleted, many wells are situated in areas too dangerous to access due to ongoing conflict, parts of the water distribution network have been damaged in airstrikes, and water tankers are unable to reach several areas in need.
At least 56,156 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israel’s extensive military campaign in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, according to a statement from the Health Ministry released on Wednesday.
The ministry reported that within the past 24 hours alone, 79 bodies were brought to hospitals, with 391 individuals sustaining injuries. This brings the total number of injuries to 132,239 as a result of the Israeli attacks.
The statement also noted that many victims remain trapped under rubble and on roads, inaccessible to rescuers.
Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, resulting in 5,833 fatalities and 20,198 injuries, violating a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that had been established in January.
In a significant development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel faces accusations of genocide in the Gaza conflict at the International Court of Justice.
