A UN special rapporteur on the right to drinking water, Pedro Arrojo Agudo, has reported that the Gaza Strip is facing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster due to extensive destruction of its water infrastructure. He accused the Israeli army of using water as a weapon in the conflict, which he stated is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. During an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher, he highlighted how nearly 90% of water desalination and purification stations in Gaza have been destroyed or directly attacked during the war.

Agudo further explained that four months post ceasefire, the supply of water to Gaza has not resumed adequately, and there is still a severe shortage of drinking water. International organizations and NGOs are facing significant restrictions that prevent them from providing basic water and food supplies to the population. The destruction of wells and water tanks has left the remaining water supplies sufficient only for a few thousand residents, exacerbating the dire situation.

Regarding individual access to drinking water, the UN rapporteur confirmed that current availability is only 10% of what was available before the conflict began. He noted that the damaged purification stations have yet to be repaired, resulting in the spread of contaminated water with serious health implications, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The report underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the ongoing water crisis in Gaza.