Israel has destroyed or damaged nearly 90 percent of the water supply and sanitation infrastructure in the Palestinian Gaza Strip. This is according to data from the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank, cited by the organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in its latest report.
In a report published on Tuesday, MSF claims that Israeli authorities are using access to water as a tool of “collective punishment” against the people of the Gaza Strip, and points to serious consequences for public health. Israel rejects these accusations. According to MSF, the Israeli army’s action it includes the destruction of the infrastructure of desalination facilities, wells, pipelines and sewage systems. MSF says it is a “repetitive, systematic and cumulative” practice.
At the same time, the organization states that restrictions on access to water are another in a series of other consequences of the conflict, including the destruction of medical facilities, civilian homes and the displacement of the population. MSF representative Claire San Filippová said that, according to the organization, the Israeli authorities are purposefully destroying the water infrastructure and at the same time preventing the importation of equipment necessary for its restoration. At the same time, MSF claims that it has seen attacks on water tankers and the destruction of wells, which were a key source of water for tens of thousands of people. The organization reports that civilians were often injured or killed while trying to get water.
According to MSF, the lack of water is so serious that it is not possible to provide even minimum volumes for the population. MSF warns that the lack of water and sanitation has serious consequences for the health of the population, including the spread of infectious diseases and the deterioration of hygienic conditions. In March 2026 alone, MSF distributed more than 5.3 million liters of water per day, covering the basic needs of more than 407,000 people. At the same time, MSF warns that movement restrictions make it impossible for its teams to provide assistance in some areas. According to the organization, approximately one-third of requests for the import of water treatment equipment, pumps or hygiene supplies were rejected or remained unanswered.
