Gaza experiencing severe water shortage

Gaza residents are suffering from a severe water shortage as a result of the ongoing conflict there, JTA reports.

Damage to wells and Gaza’s energy infrastructure has disrupted the pumping and distribution of water, cutting the coastal strip’s water supply by half, according to Haaretz.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans have been unable to bathe regularly. Haaretz reported that the water shortage could lead to the spread of infections and skin diseases.

The Palestinian Water Authority said that bombing destroyed 11 wells and two purification plants, while damaging an additional 15 wells and four purification plants. Ninety percent of the water in Gaza is not potable, making the purification plants crucial to the area’s drinking supply.