A devastating drought and hunger loom over Gaza as Unicef warns of the collapse of water systems in the territory. The situation worsened on Friday when at least 24 people waiting for aid were killed by Israeli fire, with medics reporting severe injuries.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-Israel backed organization, has been handing out food to Palestinians in an effort to alleviate the crisis. However, reports suggest that many people are being killed while trying to reach these distribution points.
Eyewitnesses describe chaotic scenes as explosions and gunfire erupt during aid truck convoys. Many have expressed frustration with the GHF’s system, citing difficulties in accessing information due to limited internet access.
The UN has struggled to bring in aid due to rubble-choked roads, military restrictions, airstrikes, and growing anarchy. Fuel shortages are also severe, with none allowed into Gaza since a ceasefire collapsed in March.
UN agencies and major aid groups have rejected the GHF’s system as impractical, inadequate, and unethical. The death toll in Gaza has reached over 55,600 civilians, with many more at risk of famine due to the blockade imposed by Israel throughout March and April.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/20/collapse-of-gazas-water-systems-may-cause-devastating-drought-and-hunger