Israel Takes Action to Increase Water Supply in Gaza Strip

In light of threats by the United Nations to potentially suspend humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip, Israel will be taking proactive steps to enhance fresh water availability.

In response to the United Nations' warning to halt aid operations in the Gaza Strip due to security concerns, Israel has announced plans to activate a desalination plant that will significantly increase fresh water access in the region.

Israel Takes Action to Increase Water Supply in Gaza Strip

Israeli Security officials have revealed that Israel will augment the electricity supply to the desalination facility in Khan Yunis by installing new electricity power lines. This action will restore the facility, which UNICEF previously funded in 2017, to provide clean drinking water to Deir al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and the Mawasi area. It has the potential to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents throughout the Strip.

The Israeli government-backed plan is awaiting final approval, but once operational, the plant will produce approximately 20,000 cubic meters of water daily, a substantial increase from its current capacity of 1,500 cubic meters. The low current capacity was attributed to limitations in generator operations.

Israel Takes Action to Increase Water Supply in Gaza Strip

An Israeli security official explained that the new power line will provide the necessary 5 megawatts of electricity to the desalination plant, which Israel will supply. In addition to the power line, the Israeli military will permit international humanitarian organizations and NGOs to bring in necessary equipment and conduct infrastructure improvements for the power line's operation, subject to security inspections.

The cost of the project and whether it signals Israel's intention to establish or enhance additional desalination plants to boost water output further are details that the official could not provide. However, the official emphasized that the Khan Yunis plant is the largest in the area.

Israel Takes Action to Increase Water Supply in Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces and Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories will provide security and support during the operation to install the additional lines. This will ensure the plant can operate uninterrupted.

The move comes as the U.N. warned Israel on Tuesday that it could be forced to suspend its aid operations across Gaza unless Israel provides better protection for humanitarian workers. This latest action serves as an attempt to persuade Israel to refine its strikes and address the growing lawlessness in the region.

Israel Takes Action to Increase Water Supply in Gaza Strip

The U.N. clarified that no final decision has been made and discussions are ongoing. Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric stated that U.N. humanitarian coordinator Muhannad Hadi had communicated with the Israeli military on June 17, and the U.N.'s undersecretary for security, Gilles Michaud, had discussions with Israeli officials on Monday.

Dujarric described the conditions for aid workers in Gaza as "increasingly intolerable." Nonetheless, the U.N. is actively engaging with Israeli authorities to find a resolution. He stressed that "the U.N. will not abandon the people of Gaza."