UNICEF Warns of Impending Water Crisis in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, with UNICEF spokesperson James Elder warning that the region may soon face a critical water shortage that could lead to widespread suffering among children. In an interview on Australia’s ABC News on June 25, 2025, Elder detailed the grave circumstances faced by civilians as ongoing hostilities continue to impact essential services and humanitarian aid efforts.

As fighting escalates in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his government’s commitment to achieving its military objectives, while UNICEF has raised alarms about the humanitarian toll of this conflict. Elder noted that water supplies in Gaza are dwindling and could run out within two weeks, exacerbating an already dire situation where children are reportedly dying from thirst and preventable injuries.

According to a May 2023 report from UNICEF, approximately 50,000 children have been injured or killed since the outbreak of conflict following Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. "I met a little 13-year-old boy who died after being injured while trying to buy bread for his family," Elder recounted, stressing that the risks associated with accessing food and water are escalating.

The United Nations has issued a stark warning, indicating that aid distribution points have become perilous combat zones, where civilians face the dual threat of starvation and military action. Elder described the current situation as a "ludicrous and lethal catch 22," where aid stations are militarized and civilians are regularly caught in the crossfire while seeking essential supplies.

The latest reports indicate that as many as 400 to 500 people may have been killed around these distribution points. Elder stressed the necessity for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian access, stating, "Children's bodies are not waiting for some technical declaration in Gaza."

In contrast, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel has publicly denied allegations of starvation in Gaza, suggesting that reports of an imminent water crisis are speculative. She stated, "Every report that came out was mentioning that this is a possibility for a future scenario — like an imminent threat, or anything like that," asserting that Israel is closely monitoring the situation.

Despite the Israeli government's assurances, UNICEF’s Elder emphasizes the urgent need for international support to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. He highlighted that the blockade has prevented necessary supplies, including fuel for desalination plants, from entering Gaza for over 100 days, leading to a critical shortage of potable water. "This is utterly avoidable. This is not logistical; this is political," he asserted, calling for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.

The international community faces a pressing challenge as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Aid agencies are calling for an immediate resolution to hostilities and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies to prevent further loss of life, particularly among vulnerable populations, including children. As the conflict persists, the implications of a potential water crisis loom large, necessitating urgent global attention and intervention to avert a humanitarian disaster.