For the past 15 months, accessing even the most basic necessities in Gaza has been a daily struggle. Despite the ceasefire, clean water remains an elusive lifeline for millions.
The water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) crisis has reached alarming levels. Today, 62% of the population—over 1.4 million people—receive less than the recommended minimum 6 liters of water per person per day. With more than 68% of roads destroyed and 67% of water and sanitation infrastructure damaged or in ruins, the region can no longer sustain water production.
Despite these immense challenges, humanitarian teams in Gaza have tirelessly provided emergency services – often while facing the constant threat of bombing and displacement.
With extensive damage to WASH infrastructure, water trucking has become a vital lifeline, delivering safe drinking water to displaced communities across Gaza. Supported by Global Affairs Canada, Action Against Hunger operates water trucking services at 200 sites, ensuring that families who would otherwise have no access to clean water receive the essential supply they need to survive.
These efforts focus on delivering water directly to the hardest-hit areas, where infrastructure has been severely damaged—including Beit Lahia, Jabalia Camp, Jabalia, Gaza City, Deir Al Balah, and Rafah.
Between May and September 2024, with support from Global Affairs Canada, our teams provided water to 227 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and shelters—125 in North Gaza Governorate, 60 in Gaza City, 32 in Deir Al Balah, and 10 in Rafah.
During this period, we successfully distributed 11,309 m³ of trucked water, reaching 322,406 displaced people in these affected areas.
“Working on water distribution and water trucking was more than just a daily job; it was a source of hope for all the displaced people and residents,” explains an Action Against Hunger team member in Gaza. “The biggest challenge was reaching the shelters and residential areas amidst the war and continuous bombardment. Meeting the displaced people, especially the children and women, was filled with emotions. As soon as we arrived at the water truck unloading site, everyone would rush towards us to receive water. Their eyes were filled with gratitude despite the pain they were living through. I felt immense pride seeing how water improved their daily lives and protected their health from the diseases prevalent in these harsh conditions.”
Another Action Against team member in North Gaza shared, “I worked on distributing water to shelters, displaced people, and some neighborhoods that host displaced individuals. There was a great need, especially for drinking water, as the people’s suffering was indescribable, particularly with the fuel shortages and the scarcity of water supplies. The residents had been displaced multiple times, leading to a lack of stability, which increased the need for water transported by trucks to their displacement sites. Action Against Hunger had the lion’s share, being the largest organization operating in North Gaza, distributing up to 200 cubic meters of water daily there.”
Beyond water trucking, Action Against Hunger and Global Affairs Canada have also focused on keeping Gaza’s remaining water wells operational. This includes supplying fuel for water pumps and rehabilitating wells damaged during the conflict. In many parts of Gaza, water wells are the primary source of clean water, yet widespread infrastructure destruction has left many inoperable or contaminated, making the water unsafe to drink.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of the people of Gaza remains unwavering. While water trucking and sanitation interventions are not long-term solutions, they provide a vital lifeline, offering a glimmer of hope amid the daily struggles of life in a conflict zone.
“Through this work, I learned that humanitarian work is not just about providing assistance, but also about listening to others’ pain and sharing moments of resilience with them. This experience taught me a lot about humanity and gave me a sense of responsibility towards those who are in dire need of support. Amidst all this challenge and suffering, humanity remains the foundation that gives us the strength to continue,” shared an Action Against Hunger team member in Gaza.
As the Global Affairs project continues its WASH initiatives, the road ahead remains uncertain. However, the dedication of Action Against Hunger staff and the strength of local communities are making a real difference. Amid the devastation, moments of care and solidarity persist—one water truck, one latrine, and one hygiene kit at a time.
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Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 56 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
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