Here is a rewritten version of the article:
—
Each day, Ibrahim Alloush drives his aging water truck across Gaza, delivering one of life’s most basic necessities—clean water—to desperate residents. His route takes him through the devastated neighborhoods of Jabalia, a place where access to water has become a daily fight for survival.
A recent visit by UN News captured Ibrahim’s exhausting routine. Our team met him at the Jabalia desalination plant, a facility overwhelmed by demand and starved of resources. Like others across Gaza, this plant depends on diesel fuel to function—35 to 40 litres per hour—without which clean water simply can’t be produced.
Endless Waiting, Soaring Prices
At the plant, patience is non-negotiable. “We often wait five hours just to get our turn to fill the truck,” Ibrahim explains. “The cost of one cubic metre is extremely high because diesel is so expensive. It costs around 90 to 100 shekels—that’s about 20 Jordanian dinars.”
For many families, these prices are out of reach. Most rely on aid from humanitarian organizations to receive water. Without that support, access to clean water would be virtually impossible.
Delivering Hope, One Drop at a Time
As soon as the truck is full, Ibrahim sets off, navigating bombed-out streets and debris-strewn roads. His destination: Gaza’s hardest-hit communities, where people line up in the scorching sun, clutching empty jugs and buckets.
His journey is not only exhausting but essential. In many areas, water trucks like his are the only source of clean water. “If it weren’t for Ibrahim, some neighborhoods wouldn’t receive any water at all,” one resident noted.
No Water, No Life
Gaza is facing a severe water crisis. “We’re in a catastrophe,” says Ayman Kamal, a local resident. “Some people wait half a day for just a few gallons of water. Others leave empty-handed.”
Another resident, Fathi al-Kahlout, describes the grim reality: “Without water, there is no life. We wait for potable water to arrive from far away, and then we crowd around the truck to collect what we can.”
Sameer Badr shares the emotional toll. “My children spend their days searching for water. We just want the world to see us—and care. Other countries live in comfort while we battle just to drink.”
Worsening Conditions
UNICEF warns that the situation is rapidly deteriorating. The ongoing closure of Gaza’s border crossings and the blockade on fuel supplies have crippled vital desalination plants. Without fuel, the production of clean water plummets, and with it, the hope of daily survival.
Efforts to repair damaged wells and pipelines came to an abrupt halt after the recent collapse of the ceasefire. Many water points remain out of service—or risk being destroyed entirely.
Currently, an estimated one million people in Gaza—including 400,000 children—receive just six litres of water per person each day. Before the crisis intensified, that number stood at 16 litres. If fuel supplies run dry, UNICEF fears daily water rations could fall below four litres, forcing families to rely on unsafe sources, and sharply increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, especially among children.
In a place where survival hinges on each drop, Ibrahim Alloush and his truck are more than a symbol of resilience—they are a lifeline.
Leave a Reply