TEL AVIV (JTA) — Gaza residents are suffering from a severe water shortage as a result of the ongoing conflict there.
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 told Haaretz that bombing destroyed 11 wells and two purification plants while damaging an additional 15 wells and four purification plants.
Workers began repairs on the infrastructure during the cease-fires of recent weeks, but the repairs are expected to stop now that fighting has resumed. Ninety percent of the water in Gaza is not potable, making the purification plants crucial to the area’s drinking supply.
