The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is taking a devastating toll on Gaza’s residents. With 2 million people trapped in rubble-strewn areas, medical, food, and water supplies are dwindling rapidly. The Israeli government recently cut off all aid to Gaza, exacerbating the situation.
A desalination plant, which provides crucial electricity for water purification, has also been affected by the power cuts ordered by Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen. This move is causing widespread concern, as the water sector is on the brink of collapse.
For Marwan Bardawil, a 30-year veteran of Gaza’s water sector, his work is a source of comfort and purpose. Despite the chaos surrounding him, he remains focused on his job, using it to shield himself from personal worries. As tensions rise, one thing is clear: access to clean water is no longer just a logistical challenge, but a matter of life and death for Gaza’s inhabitants.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/water-is-not-political/682016