UNICEF delivers vital water aid to 1.5 million people in Gaza

Gaza, during an ongoing humanitarian crisis, faces a severe lack of access to safe and clean water, with 96 percent of households affected. UNICEF, in collaboration with partners, has been actively involved in efforts to mitigate this water emergency by supporting approximately 1.5 million people, including around 600,000 children, through various initiatives. These efforts involve water trucking, repairs to damaged water systems, and operating desalination plants. Efforts have significantly intensified over the past 22 months, during which UNICEF has repaired numerous water facilities and provided crucial supplies like water treatment chemicals and fuel for water management systems. Children, many of whom have become increasingly burdened by the responsibility of water collection amidst dire shortages, often have to forgo their education and childhood joys in search of water and food. Both boys and girls, like 12-year-old Hassan, who now seeks water before food, and 11-year-olds Rafif and Tala, who miss their days of attending school and celebrating with new clothes, narrate the heartbreaking effects of the crisis on their lives. This direct involvement of children in these efforts reflects the desperation of the situation in Gaza, as basic needs are not being met, leading to potential long-term consequences for this generation. In July 2025, UNICEF's activities included substantial progress in repairing and starting rehabilitation of 17 groundwater wells out of a target of 80 that have been damaged. They also supported service providers with essential chemicals to ensure safe water distribution and the sustainable operation of desalination plants. In addition to water, UNICEF has also focused on improving sanitation and hygiene by repairing wastewater facilities. Initiatives to distribute vital hygiene supplies, including soap and sanitary resources for impoverished groups, have benefitted around 16,000 individuals, significantly impacting women's and children's health in these communities. The severity of the situation is compounded by the ongoing conflict which has hindered normal life and healthcare, subjecting the population to vulnerabilities associated with malnutrition and waterborne diseases. The desperate calls from children and families emphasize the urgent need for international compassion and immediate intervention. Enhancing access to clean drinking water is crucial for the health and safe living conditions of families, especially in the context of desperation marked by war and deprivation. UNICEF's message to the world is clear: urgent help is needed to alleviate this critical situation, which continues to threaten the lives and futures of countless children.