Explosions at the Canada Water Reservoir
Two soldiers in black boots and green tactical gear appeared at the Canada Water reservoir in Rafah, southern Gaza. They wired explosives to the pumps at the facility. Moments later, a fiery explosion engulfed the reservoir. The blast was caught in a now-deleted video, reportedly posted by an Israeli soldier on Instagram. Satellite images showed the reservoir was damaged between July 26 and 27. The surrounding area had visible destruction. Children are drinking from puddles in Gaza.
With water prices soaring and infrastructure destroyed, many Palestinians struggle to keep their families hydrated and safe. One father in Gaza, Raed Radwan, expressed his exhaustion, saying, “For nine months, we have been enduring the ongoing water crisis… I hope there will be a solution because I can no longer handle it.”
The reservoir, holding 3 million liters of water, was critical for water distribution in the Rafah Governate, providing water to 150,000 people before the war began on October 7. When asked about the incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they were operating in Tal al-Sultan to dismantle terrorist infrastructures. They claimed to take measures to avoid civilian damage and said the incident was under review. Children are drinking from puddles in Gaza.
Water Supply Crisis in Gaza
Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s water infrastructure, including the Canada Water reservoir, worsened an already dire situation. The United Nations (UN) and various bodies accused Israel of using water as a weapon, risking public health by damaging water facilities. The destruction has caused water shortages, with the UN estimating Gaza’s water supply at only 4.74 liters (1 gallon) per person per day, far below the recommended minimum.
Gaza’s mayor, Ahmed Al-Sofi, highlighted that Rafah was suffering from a water crisis even before the explosion. Fuel and electricity shortages further reduced water production. The summer heat and ongoing war exacerbated the situation, leading to severe water and sanitation challenges across the territory.
Humanitarian Impact
Extreme heat and limited water access have worsened the humanitarian crisis. Children are drinking from contaminated puddles, and diseases like polio have resurfaced, threatening public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) discovered the polio virus in sewage samples, and a polio epidemic was declared in Gaza. The WHO called for a halt to fighting to allow vaccinations to resume.
The ongoing Israeli assault has killed over 40,200 Palestinians and displaced thousands. The destruction of Gaza’s water systems has severely impacted civilians, with 70% of water and sanitation facilities damaged or destroyed. The UN-led WASH Cluster reported that Gaza’s water infrastructure is nearly completely destroyed, with functioning pumps providing contaminated water.
Struggles for Access to Water
Palestinians are forced to travel through dangerous areas to find water, often facing violence or even death. Aid organizations like Oxfam accuse Israel of using water as a “weapon of war,” as people in Gaza struggle to find enough to drink, let alone for basic hygiene.
Expectant mothers and children are among the most vulnerable. The stress of war, combined with water shortages, has led to severe health risks like stillbirths and malnourishment. Lack of clean water further endangers pregnant women and infants.
Aid and Relief Efforts
Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) claims they facilitated the entry of over 48,000 tons of water aid into Gaza. However, aid workers say the supplies are far from enough. Many aid convoys face attacks, road destruction, or blocked access to northern Gaza. The lack of regulation also leads to water being sold on the black market at inflated prices, making it even more inaccessible to ordinary people.
Rising Costs and Desperation
The destruction of water infrastructure in Gaza has driven up water prices dramatically. Before the crisis, the cost of 1,000 liters (about 264 gallons) of water was around $7. Now, that price has skyrocketed to $45 to $50, according to humanitarian workers. Many Palestinians, displaced and living in makeshift camps, are struggling to afford even basic necessities like water.
Hamouda, a father of three displaced in Deir al-Balah, reported that his daily cost for water rose from one-third of a dollar in October to $2. This increase has left many families struggling to stay hydrated. The rising temperatures have only added to the strain, with dehydration and heatstroke becoming common threats.
Raed Radwan, another displaced father, described the constant worry of keeping his family cool and hydrated. His five-month-old daughter recently suffered from heatstroke, and he had no cold water to give her. “For nine months, we have been enduring the ongoing water crisis,” he said. “I hope there will be a solution because I can no longer handle it. I am mentally and physically exhausted.”
Calls for International Action
Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent action to address Gaza’s water crisis. Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) highlighted the critical health risks facing the population, particularly for children and pregnant women. The chronic water shortages increase the likelihood of malnutrition, dehydration, and other severe health issues.
The UN and other international bodies have raised concerns about the humanitarian violations taking place in Gaza. The destruction of water facilities, combined with restrictions on aid, has left millions of Palestinians at risk. Aid workers have accused Israeli authorities of blocking essential water purification systems and limiting the flow of critical supplies into Gaza.
As the conflict continues, the need for international intervention grows. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Oxfam are advocating for a ceasefire to allow for the restoration of water infrastructure and the delivery of life-saving aid. The hope is that, with international pressure, a resolution can be found to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Conclusion: A Water Crisis Worsened by Conflict
The ongoing war in Gaza has compounded an already fragile water system. Destruction of key infrastructure, such as the Canada Water reservoir, has left millions of Palestinians without access to clean water. The humanitarian impact is severe, with disease, dehydration, and rising water costs creating a desperate situation for many families.
As the conflict rages on, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the growing crisis. Water, a basic human right, has become a rare and costly resource in Gaza. Without urgent action, the situation will continue to deteriorate, with devastating consequences for the health and survival of the Palestinian people.
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