In the wake of Israel’s recent attacks on Rafah, severe water shortages have hit the densely populated areas of Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah. Residents are forced to travel long distances and endure hours-long waits for drinking water. Hundreds queue daily at the Deir el-Balah seawater desalination plant under increasingly harsh living conditions.
Majdi Muslim, a Gaza resident, described his ordeal: “I walked about 1 kilometer and waited 5 hours in line just to fill 20 liters of water.” He highlighted the additional challenge of waiting under the sun for essential resources.
Palestinian sources report that around 70% of Gaza’s water and sanitation facilities have been inoperative since October 7 due to the attacks.
Following Israel’s evacuation order on May 6 for neighborhoods in eastern Rafah, migration from the region continues. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reports that 810,000 people have been displaced since the onset of operations in Rafah.
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