The Siege of Gaza’s Water
Publisher: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Author(s): Natasha Hall, Anita Kirschenbaum, and David Michel
Date: 2024
Topics: Peace and Security Operations, Renewable Resources, Weapons, Waste, and Pollution
Countries: Israel, Palestine
On October 9, in response to the October 7 assault by Hamas militants, Israel’s defense minister ordered a “complete siege” on the Gaza Strip, including the halting of electricity, food, water, and fuel sent to Gaza from Israel. Clean water is unavailable for most living in Gaza, and Israeli airstrikes are destroying water infrastructure and wells—in potential violation of international humanitarian law—in addition to taking thousands of lives and displacing almost two million Gazans. Even more lives are at risk as the threat of disease increases. Improving water access in Gaza is essential to preventing further loss of life and livelihoods and to rebuilding a secure and sustainable future when the present conflict ceases.