The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned of an extreme water crisis threatening Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with death, amid the collapse of water supply systems due to Israeli strikes on infrastructure and the ongoing fuel blockade since March.

UNRWA stated that only 40% of drinking water facilities are operational, noting that its capacity to provide water has dropped to half the amount supplied during the truce. This is due to relentless Israeli bombardment, forced displacement orders, and Israel’s ban on fuel entry into Gaza for over 100 days.

Last month, municipalities across Gaza also warned that their services were on the verge of collapse due to the depletion of fuel needed to operate essential facilities, especially water wells.