Israel has cut off power to a critical de-salination plant in Gaza, which serves as a vital source of drinking water for over half a million people. Located near Deir el-Balah, this facility is now operating at significantly reduced capacity, relying on generators and solar panels to stay functional. This power shutdown threatens not only the water supply but also the operation of essential water pumps and sanitation systems, heightening fears of a broader public health crisis. Hamas has condemned the move, calling it “cheap and unacceptable blackmail,” as the plant’s failure would exacerbate the dire conditions already faced by civilians in Gaza.

This disruption comes amid Israel’s decision, now on its 10th day as of Tuesday, to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The decision has placed severe pressure on the 2.3 million Palestinians who depend heavily on food assistance. The ongoing blockade has led to a desperate shortage of basic supplies, including fuel, shelter, and medicine. With most goods now nearly impossible to secure, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, leaving Gaza’s civilian population in critical need of international support.