NNA - As Israeli forces continue to rain down bombs on the Strip, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) called for the ceasefire to be immediately restored and for Israeli authorities to allow electricity to flow, along with the entry of aid, including fuel, and water and sanitation supplies, to avoid further loss of life.
MSF in a statement warned that another tactic of war is unfolding as Israeli authorities effectively block access to water by preventing the entry of electricity and fuel into Gaza.
“With a new onslaught of bombings that have killed hundreds of people in just a few short days, Israeli forces continue to deprive people in Gaza of water by shutting off electricity and blocking fuel from entering – resources that are necessary for water infrastructure including the running of water pumps,” says Paula Navarro, MSF water and sanitation coordinator in Gaza. “For those who have endured relentless bombings, the suffering is made worse by a water crisis—many are forced to drink unsafe water, while others don't have enough.”
“Amidst the violence, if fuel runs out, the remaining water system will completely collapse, and all but cut off people’s access to water, leading to inhumane consequences for the millions of people who remain inside Gaza,” read the statement.
The statement noted that access to safe water is having consequences on people’s living conditions and their health. In Al-Mawasi and Khan Younis healthcare centers, the three most common conditions treated by MSF, jaundice, diarrhea and scabies, are directly caused by inadequate provision of safe water, added the statement.
“The sheer number of children with skin conditions is a direct result of Gaza’s destruction and blockade,” says Chiara Lodi, MSF medical team coordinator in Gaza. “In addition to treating adults and children who have severe war injuries, our staff are treating an increasing number of children with entirely preventable skin diseases like scabies, which is not only uncomfortable, but in severe cases, sees them scratch their skin until it bleeds which can lead to infection.”
“This is a result of children being unable to bathe, spreading scabies and other infections, leaving lasting scars,” says Lodi.
“Restrictions by Israeli authorities have made it near impossible to restore a functioning water system,” says Navarro. “Water production relies on energy, yet new generators over 30 kilowatts are not permitted to enter. We’re forced to ‘Frankenstein’ generators—salvaging parts from one to fix another.”
“MSF continues to call on Israeli authorities to lift its inhumane siege on Gaza, to uphold international humanitarian law and its responsibilities as an occupying power, and to ensure immediate and unhindered access of aid into the Strip.”
On March 9, 2025, Israeli Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Eli Cohen, decided to halt the supply of electricity to Gaza "immediately." Before this, Israel had been providing the Gaza Strip with a limited amount of electricity to operate the water station in the central part of the Strip.--WAFA
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