After the ceasefire, Gazan families are facing a major water crisis. Palestinians are struggling to survive in the ravaged north.

There is a serious water shortage in northern Gaza.

This issue has become more pronounced as displaced residents began returning to their homes after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas declared on January 19. Oxfam states that water sources are at 7% of pre-conflict levels due to Israel’s bombing of the besieged area’s water and sanitation infrastructure. Faten Abu Haloub, a mother of five, and her husband Karam start their mornings by carrying buckets filled from shared water pipes or other available sources. Karam’s two brothers living in nearby tents are primarily responsible for water procurement; however, when the water runs out, the whole family scatters in search of more. “HOW CAN THEY LIVE IN A RUINED PLACE?”

During Israel’s more than 15-month-long war on Gaza, Faten’s family stayed in the north, enduring heavy bombardments. After Israel’s large-scale ground operation in the north lasting three months in October, they were forced to flee to the Western Gaza City. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Faten said, “How can people live in a ruined place? There are no basic needs, no infrastructure, no water, no sewage, no electricity. Sometimes I think it would be better to die in war.” Sometimes a water truck arrives, and everyone in the family runs to get a spot in the filling line. But sometimes the Abu Haloubs cannot find a spot, and sometimes the water runs out. Faten mentions that she hopes someone involved in the aid process (local authorities, international aid organizations, or humanitarian groups) can help, knowing that no one provides regular water supply and municipalities cannot repair the pipes due to the destruction. “Having running water from the faucet seems like an impossible dream. A proper bath with running water is also a dream,” she says.