Oxfam: Israel Destroyed Over 1,000 Miles of Water and Sanitation Networks in Gaza
Gaza (Quds News Network)- A new report by Oxfam has revealed that Israel destroyed 1,025 miles of water and sanitation infrastructure across the Gaza Strip. The destruction left northern Gaza and Rafah with less than 7% of their pre-genocide water supply, exacerbating the already dire health crisis in the besieged strip.
Over 80% of Gaza’s water and sanitation networks are either partially or entirely destroyed, according to the report. This includes all six wastewater treatment plants and most of the water wells and desalination plants across the strip. In Rafah, water production has decreased to just 5% of its pre-genocide capacity, with only two out of 35 wells still operational.
Oxfam’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Gaza, Clémence Lagouardat, stated that “The destruction is catastrophic. People are struggling to access clean water. Parents are even saving water for their children while walking miles for a single jerrycan.”
In northern Gaza, Israel destroyed nearly all water wells. Hundreds of thousands of residents face thirst, and many return to find entire neighbourhoods leveled. The situation in Rafah is not better, with over 90% of water wells and reservoirs partially or completely damaged by Israel’s military.
Israel’s attacks on water infrastructure have led to the outbreak of diseases including acute watery diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin diseases like scabies. The World Health Organization (WHO) had revealed that 88% of environmental samples from Gaza tested positive for polio, marking an imminent risk of an outbreak.
Oxfam also noted that any Israeli ban on aid or fuel supplies could trigger a public health disaster, worsening the already dire conditions. Israel continues to block the entry of vital materials like pipes and generators needed for repairs to water infrastructure.
Oxfam’s report also noted that over 2,000 tons of garbage accumulate in Gaza’s streets each day. Destroyed sewage systems and accumulating waste create a breeding ground for further diseases.
Since February 2025, the people in Gaza have gotten access to only a fraction of the water they had before the genocide. In northern Gaza and Rafah, people have access now to less than 5.7 liters of water per day, compared to 82.7 liters before the genocide.
