70% of Gaza City water production disrupted amid repair restrictions, says UN

THE United Nations said on Wednesday (January 21) that damage to key infrastructure and access restrictions have disrupted most of Gaza City’s water supply, while winter conditions continue to pose risks to civilians.

AI Brief

Damage and access limits have halted about 70% of Gaza City's water production, with repair materials blocked from entry.
Israeli authorities denied repairs on another key well, forcing aid groups to truck water and seek alternative sources.
Winter conditions have caused nine child hypothermia deaths, with the UN urging entry of energy supplies for heating.

U.N. deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said approximately 70% of Gaza City’s total water production is currently disrupted due to difficulties repairing the Mekorot water supply line, which runs from Israel into Gaza.

He said a section of steel pipe required for repairs is not available in Gaza and is restricted from entry as a dual-use item.

Haq added that a request by aid partners to repair the Safa well, another important water source for the city, was denied by Israeli authorities on Sunday.

Aid partners are seeking alternative water sources and increasing water trucking to maintain access to safe water, Haq said. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reiterated the need for expanded access to critical items, including materials designated as dual use, without which basic services cannot be restored.

Separately, Haq said another hypothermia-related child death was reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health this week, bringing the total number of reported deaths linked to cold weather this season to nine.

OCHA is calling for the entry of batteries, solar panels and other energy sources needed to establish communal heating spaces for displaced people sheltering in tents amid widespread damage.