• UNICEF reports Gaza is facing a man-made drought with only 40% of water facilities operational.
• Children are especially vulnerable, with risks of dying from thirst amid escalating violence.
• Recent Israeli attacks have led to numerous casualties, complicating humanitarian efforts.

Gaza is on the brink of what UNICEF describes as a man-made drought, as water systems collapse under the ongoing crisis. Currently, only 40% of drinking water production facilities are functional, severely impacting the region's water supply. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder reported that if this trend continues, "children will begin to die of thirst." UNICEF's findings highlight a significant humanitarian crisis affecting the population in Gaza, as only 87 out of 217 facilities are operational, leading to conditions well below emergency standards according to Reuters, AA, and TRT.

The situation is exacerbated by a lack of humanitarian aid, which UNICEF reports has left half a million people without sufficient food. Elder emphasized that the ongoing crisis is not due to logistical issues but rather “political,” suggesting that swift action could alleviate the crisis if there was the political will to do so. He pointed to alarming rates of malnutrition among children, which have risen by 50% from April to May this year, as further evidence of the dire conditions according to Reuters, AA, and TRT.

The humanitarian situation is further complicated by violence, including recent Israeli attacks that have resulted in numerous casualties among those seeking aid. Reports indicate that at least 25 individuals were killed while attempting to receive assistance, with Elder recounting disturbing testimonials of people suffering injuries during such efforts. On one occasion, a young boy was reportedly wounded by a tank shell and later succumbed to his injuries, highlighting the dangerous environment for civilians trying to access essential aid according to Reuters, AA, and TRT.