Israel has confirmed the resumption of water supply to southern Gaza, following US pressure that succeeded in compelling Tel Aviv to ease the blockade imposed on the territory after the outbreak of the conflict with Hamas, which controls it.
Yuval Steinitz, Israeli Minister of Energy and member of the small security council stated that the decision to reopen the water supply was made for residents in southern Gaza.
This development resulted from an agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden.
Steinitz emphasized that this agreement “aligns with our policy and allows for tightening the unprecedented general blockade on Gaza, depriving it of electricity, water, and fuel until Hamas is eradicated.”
Meanwhile, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed on Sunday that Israeli officials informed him of the resumption of water supply to southern Gaza.
On the third day of the conflict, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the cutting off of all water, electricity, and fuel supplies to Gaza as part of a comprehensive blockade on the population when the war with Hamas erupted.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) had previously warned about the danger of cutting off water to Gaza.
UNRWA’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated in a release that the water shortage in Gaza had become a matter of life and death.
He added that it is imperative to deliver fuel to Gaza to provide water for two million people.
The statement further noted that people are now forced to use non-potable well water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, particularly with the power outages that have contributed to water supply disruptions.
