Warnings that Gaza's water and sanitation system is approaching the 'point of no return'

The Coastal Municipalities Water Utility in Gaza warned that the water and sanitation system is on the verge of complete collapse due to Israel preventing the entry of equipment and spare parts. It confirmed that the halt of vital systems would mean the inability to provide services to over two million people, warning of floods and the drowning of displacement camps as winter approaches.

The Coastal Municipalities Water Utility in the Gaza Strip warned that the water and sanitation system is approaching the 'point of no return,' as Israel continues to prevent the entry of equipment and spare parts necessary for its operation and maintenance. In an appeal to international and regional institutions and human rights and humanitarian organizations, the utility stated that the system is on the verge of total collapse. It noted that the halt of vital systems would mean the inability to provide life-saving services to over two million people in the Strip. It explained that the continued ban on importing electricity generators and their supplies, including oils and spare parts, along with essential materials and equipment, renders it unable to pump water, treat sewage, operate wells and treatment plants, or maintain the remaining infrastructure. The utility also warned that the approaching winter will increase the danger, given the inability to maintain and operate rainwater drainage networks, sewage pumping stations, and related infrastructure, alongside the accumulation of waste and destruction of vital facilities. It stated that this will inevitably lead to massive floods and the drowning of displacement camps and residential areas. It pointed out that camps housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people, living in tents and temporary shelters, are threatened with drowning in a mixture of rainwater, sewage, and rubble. It added that this situation could create a favorable environment for the spread of diseases, lead to drownings and new waves of displacement, calling for immediate and urgent intervention and permission to bring in materials, equipment, spare parts, generators, and their supplies before it is too late. The Coastal Municipalities Water Utility warned that continued delay could lead to an uncontrollable humanitarian, health, and environmental catastrophe.