The destruction of Gaza’s sewage system has meant that even where wastewater can be pumped away, there is often nowhere to treat it

Since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023, wells, desalination plants, water networks, sewage systems and pumping stations have sustained extensive damage.

According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Israeli bombardment has destroyed or damaged around 90 percent of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure.

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UNICEF reported in May 2026 that 82 percent of Gaza households faced water insecurity, while up to 70 percent could not access the minimum six litres per person daily minimum for drinking and cooking. Desalination output also fell from 20,000 to 16,000 cubic metres per day due to shortages of essential supplies.