Exposed: Gaza's deadly drinking water

Exposed: Gaza's deadly drinking water

Our shocking new report 'Gaza's Children' reveals Gaza's only fresh water source is now too dangerous to drink and is contaminated with fertiliser and human waste.

On the fifth anniversary of the Gaza blockade, a new report from Save the Children and Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), Gaza's Children: Falling behind, reveals desperate families are being forced to buy from private sources, not knowing that in most cases this water too is contaminated, often at ten times the safe level.

With 1.7 million people crammed into just 365 square kilometres – an area roughly equivalent to the size of the Isle of Wight – Save the Children is concerned about the increasing threat of disease.

Inhumane conditions

“Innocent children are living in inhumane conditions after five years under a blockade. They are now forced to drink dirty and dangerous water that will make them weak and sick. Diarrhoea, which is easily treated here in the UK, can be a killer in these conditions,” said Justin Forsyth, Chief Executive of Save the Children

Since the blockade started, the number of children under three being treated for watery diarrhoea has doubled. High levels of nitrate – found in faeces and fertiliser – is also linked to some cancers and is a massive risk to pregnant women.

Gaza's sewage system is also completely broken and treatment plants are overloaded or lack fuel.

Deadly open sewers

Open cesspits sit right next to family homes and in just the first two months of this year, three children drowned in open sewers.

There are only two crossings available for people to leave Gaza and people require select security permits to leave the heavily guarded exit. Crucial equipment needed to repair the sewage and water system remains blocked and on the restricted list of goods allowed in.

Just one fifth of the equipment needed has been delivered to date, with the remainder sitting unused in warehouses.

Justin Forsyth continued: “Gaza children are living in prison-like conditions, trapped and unable to dream of a better future. We must end the blockade and ramp up immediate projects to provide clean, safe drinking water and sanitation.”

Read the report – Gaza's Children: Falling behind

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