Between tanker queues and dry taps: thirst besieges thousands of displaced at Al-Aqsa University in Khan Younis
Thousands of displaced people at Al-Aqsa University in Khan Younis are suffering a severe water crisis after water networks were cut off, with near-total reliance on tankers that cannot meet needs. The displaced describe their daily struggle to obtain water, amid health warnings about outbreaks of urinary tract and kidney diseases due to lack of clean water.
Thousands of displaced people in the Al-Aqsa University camps west of Khan Younis have been experiencing a worsening water crisis for weeks, after water networks were cut off. The displaced rely almost entirely on water tankers that are insufficient to meet minimum needs. Displaced woman Mi Muhammad describes feeling humiliated by the crisis, while displaced man Abu Ali Younis says his family of 12 has to walk 2-3 kilometers to fetch water. Engineer Youssef Abdel Aal explains that the problem lies in a generator breakdown due to a shortage of 5 liters of engine oil, and that the Red Cross is ready to coordinate with the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility once the oil is provided. Dr. Jamal Al-Hums from the Kuwaiti Hospital warns of outbreaks of urinary tract diseases and kidney stones due to lack of clean water, noting that the hospital receives 1000-1500 patients daily. He warns that continued conditions could turn every tent into an infection hotspot.