Gaza’s Water Crisis: Turkish Expert Claims It Is the Worst in the World Due to Climate Change and Israeli Attacks
Gaza is grappling with the most severe water crisis globally, exacerbated by climate change and Israeli attacks, according to Professor Vakur Sumer, an international relations expert from Selcuk University in Turkey.
Professor Sumer explained to Anadolu that Gaza, situated in a rapidly desertifying region of the Middle East, now surpasses Yemen in water scarcity. He noted that Gaza’s water availability is significantly below the threshold of 10,000 cubic meters per year required for a region to be considered water-rich, with both quality and quantity of water being major issues.
The region suffers from heavy saltwater intrusion due to geographical factors, compounded by decreased rainfall, increased evaporation, and a rapidly growing population that has further strained water resources.
The situation has been worsened by Israeli attacks, leading to severe shortages of clean water and significant health impacts. Women and children are particularly affected, with a notable increase in water-related diseases and child mortality due to poor water quality.
Sumer highlighted the economic challenges of addressing the crisis, noting that the region’s high population density relative to its income-generating activities exacerbates the problem. The ongoing conflict, following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in substantial casualties and severe shortages of essential resources, including food, clean water, and medicine.
The International Court of Justice has ordered a halt to military operations in the southern city of Rafah, but the situation remains dire, with accusations of genocide against Israel and widespread devastation in the region.
