Reports and Studies

Fact Sheet: Water Shortage in the Gaza Strip Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

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3 September 2020

This fact sheet addresses the deteriorating living conditions in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israel’s 14-year blockade and recent punitive measures, notably the ban on fuel entry to the Strip,[1] and their repercussions on the provision of municipal services, particularly water and sanitation. In addition, the fact sheet sheds light on the struggle of low-income families to access alternative sources of water to offset the intermittent supply of municipal water amid a full lockdown imposed on Gaza to fight the spread of COVID-19, which further exacerbated these families’ financial troubles.[2]    

 


[1] The ban on fuel entry ran from 13 Aug. to 31 Aug. 2020 when Qatar brokered a cease fire between Israel and Hamas.

[2] Article 5 of Decree No. 14 relating to the Water Law affirms that “1. Every person has the right to obtain his needs of suitable quality drinking water for utilization at specific prices set in accordance with the Tariff Regulation issued by the Cabinet of Ministers. 2. Water Service Providers shall take the necessary measures to ensure this right and prepare the plans required for the development of services in this regard, in accordance with the General Water Policy.

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