Gaza / PNN /

 The spokesperson for Gaza Municipality, Husni Muhanna, has warned that the water crisis in the Strip has reached catastrophic levels due to the extensive destruction of water networks, wells and desalination plants caused by the Israeli assault.

Muhanna explained that only about 15 % of Gaza’s estimated daily need of 100,000 m³ is currently being delivered. He noted that only 17 wells are operational out of 88, and the central desalination plant is completely out of service.

He also said that residents are relying — unsteadily — on the Israeli “Mekorot” pipeline supplying about 15,000 m³ per day, while the municipality coordinates with humanitarian organisations to distribute water tankers to the most densely populated areas.

Muhanna highlighted that fuel and equipment shortages are major obstacles to ongoing repairs, and Gaza is facing a deepening environmental crisis with the accumulation of roughly 260,000 tons of waste.

With resources severely limited, the municipality has launched emergency clean‑up campaigns and limited sewer network maintenance, and has developed a comprehensive reconstruction plan titled “Phoenix Gaza,” comprising three phases: emergency relief, early recovery and full reconstruction.

Muhanna confirmed that the municipality has cleared 400 streets and removed 50,000 tons of rubble so far, while over 20 million tons remain awaiting heavy equipment and international support.

He added that the municipality lost 134 vehicles and operational machines, and urgently needs bulldozers, compactor trucks, generators, pumps and fuel. The major challenges remain the massive destruction, fuel and power outages, resource shortages, overcrowding and escalating health risks.