In January 2025, a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel brought relief, but the conditions in the Gaza Strip remain dire. The area, which faced a water crisis even before the conflict, suffers from severe degradation of water resources due to a high population density and over-extraction of groundwater. With 97% of underground water unsuitable for drinking by 2023, reliance on seawater desalination plants and aid from Israel was critical.
The outbreak of war in October 2023 further exacerbated the water crisis, with most desalination plants shut down and infrastructure heavily damaged, leading to a drastic decrease in water availability. By late 2024, 85% of Gaza’s water facilities were reported destroyed, leaving many households dependent on contaminated sources. Efforts by Israel to flood Hamas tunnels are expected to worsen groundwater contamination.
The humanitarian impact is significant, as sewage discharged into the Mediterranean threatens ecosystems and drinking water sources for the region, including Israel. Environmental damage has been severe, with reports indicating that 80% of trees in Gaza have been destroyed due to conflict and resource gathering. This loss endangers agriculture and increases desertification risks, with the unique Wadi Gaza basin now heavily polluted.
As of early 2025, assessment of the extensive war damage is ongoing, but preliminary reports suggest large-scale destruction of farmland and infrastructure, complicating recovery efforts. The UN and other organizations stress the urgent need for infrastructure reconstruction, food, and medical support, highlighting that recovery cannot occur without international aid. The path to stabilization remains uncertain, dependent on continuing peace processes.
