Water Resource Crisis in the Gaza Strip: The Impact of Groundwater and Surface Water Challenges Before and After the October 2023 Conflict

Abstract

The Gaza Strip, a densely populated area of around 365 square kilometers, faces a severe water crisis driven by over-extraction of groundwater, contamination, and inadequate management. Groundwater, the main fresh water source, is depleting and contaminated by saline intrusion, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff, making much of it undrinkable. Surface water, including limited rainfall and local streams, cannot meet the growing demand. Gaza Strip receives only about 300 mm of rainfall annually, far below the global average. With over 2 million people relying on limited water resources, extraction exceeds sustainable levels, further exacerbating the crisis. The region's water challenges are compounded by ongoing political and military conflicts, including wars and a prolonged blockade, which have damaged infrastructure and hindered sustainable water management. As a result, 97% of Gaza’s groundwater is undrinkable, and water quality continues to decline. This paper examines Gaza's water crisis, focusing on the period before and after the October 2023 war. It highlights how the conflict worsened the situation by damaging infrastructure and depleting resources, and explores the impact on public health and agriculture. The paper also investigates potential solutions to improve water sustainability, such as water treatment, desalination, and regional cooperation in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).