Israeli airstrikes in Gaza are ongoing, causing damage to residential areas and essential services, according to UN reports. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that a recent airstrike hit NGO workers at a water well in Gaza City, resulting in one death and four injuries. The well suffered significant damage, leading to the suspension of on-site operations.
Activities at another water filling point, Al Mansoura, were also halted after two civilian truck drivers contracted by the UN Children’s Fund were killed. Despite these challenges, water production levels have not dropped significantly, with efforts being made to provide clean water through truck deliveries to address the needs of the population. However, around 60% of families in Gaza still do not have adequate access to clean water, highlighting an ongoing issue.
The UN emphasized that the current methods of water supply in Gaza are expensive and unsustainable, relying heavily on resources like fuel, generators, and spare parts. There is a critical need for these supplies to enter Gaza to prevent a collapse of essential services, including water production. Humanitarian organizations stressed the importance of protecting civilians and vital facilities in accordance with international humanitarian law to ensure basic needs are met.
Humanitarian operations are continuing in all sectors, with efforts to provide additional food, medicine, and hygiene items at border crossings. The UN and its partners facilitated the medical evacuation of patients and offered support to returnees. Additionally, broken trucks were recovered from inaccessible areas, and humanitarian staff rotations were conducted to maintain operational effectiveness in challenging conditions.
