Every day, Ibrahim Alloush drives his water truck through the Strip, providing much-needed water to the residents of Jabalia. He often accompanies journalists on an arduous mission to document the water scarcity in the region. In Jabalia’s desalination plant, there are constant delays due to overcrowding and the high cost of diesel needed to operate the generators. The desalination plant faces a dizzying shortage of resources and delivers limited water to the residents of Gaza. One cubic meter of water can cost between 90 to 100 shekels, which makes it unaffordable to many.
Gaza residents line up near the water truck to fill their jugs. Despite the obstacles, Ibrahim Alloush continues to drive through the devastated neighborhoods of Jabalia, always reaching out to those in need. His journey is filled with challenges as he navigates destroyed streets and rubble.
The water crisis in the Gaza Strip has caused immense suffering for its residents. Without access to clean water, families must wait long hours to collect a limited amount of water. Residents of Gaza also face difficulties in accessing certain areas if it were not for those like Ibrahim Alloush who continue to deliver water to these places. Fathi al-Kahlout tells UN News that “without water, there is no life”. The blockade and the severe lack of resources have caused immense problems for the residents of Gaza, who are left to ask the world why they are subject to such treatment.
The water crisis in the Gaza Strip is also highlighted by UNICEF, which reports that the closure of border crossings has paralyzed desalination plants, and the research work that had been started on vital wells and water points came to a complete halt. As a result, many sources of drinking water have either been affected or left at risk of damage. UNICEF reports that currently, about one million people, including children, receive a daily ration of just six liters of water. This is a sharp decline from the 16 liters they were used to before, and the situation could worsen if fuel resources run out.
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/04/1162186
