Gaza – SABA:
The Gaza Municipality warned Thursday of a worsening humanitarian crisis due to the continued cutoff of Mekorot water supplies for the 11th consecutive day, exacerbating already dire conditions for residents.
In a statement, the municipality explained that the disruption stems from severe damage to the Mekorot pipeline in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood, caused by ongoing Israeli bombardment. The damage has prevented technical crews from accessing the site for repairs, due to the lack of coordination and safety guarantees.
The Mekorot pipeline is one of Gaza’s main sources of drinking water, supplying over 70% of the city’s domestic and potable water needs. Its failure has left more than half a million people without access to water, amid extreme summer heat and mass displacement.
The municipality called on international and humanitarian organizations to urgently intervene and ensure safe access for repair crews, warning of a deepening humanitarian catastrophe if the shutdown continues.
It stressed that a prolonged disruption could result in serious public health and environmental consequences.
Backed by U.S. and European support, the Israeli military has continued its assault on Gaza since October 7, 2023, committing acts widely described as genocidal. As of today, the offensive has killed 60,249 Palestinian civilians, the majority of them children and women, and injured 147,089 others—with many more still trapped under rubble or in unreachable areas.