Water Sector Losses in Gaza Exceed $3 Billion
Ramallah: The Chairman of the Water Authority, Minister Ziad Al-Mimi, chaired, via video conference, Palestine’s session during the Arab Water Week held in Cairo, Egypt, with the participation of Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Professor Hani Sewilam, and a number of representatives from international organizations and donor agencies.
Minister Al-Mimi emphasized that the water sector in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, is facing unprecedented destruction as a result of the recent aggression. He noted that over 90% of water and sanitation facilities have been destroyed, with losses estimated at more than $1.5 billion, while the cost of reconstruction exceeds $3 billion. He also highlighted that per capita water availability has dropped to less than 30 liters per day, and in some periods to only half a liter, exacerbating the public health crisis and the spread of diseases.
He also addressed the challenges in the West Bank, pointing out that settler attacks and occupation restrictions hinder the implementation of water projects and reinforce what he described as a policy of “silent annexation,” noting that Israel continues to prevent the issuance of necessary permits for development projects.
Al-Mimi presented the Water Authority’s plan to rebuild the sector through three phases: emergency response, recovery, and reconstruction with sustainable development. He called for the establishment of a specialized financing fund and a national strategic investment team to coordinate international support while ensuring transparency and good governance.
The session concluded with a set of practical recommendations, including developing a comprehensive financing strategy for relief, recovery, and development in Gaza and the West Bank, establishing a dedicated financial facility for the Palestinian water sector to ensure transparent and effective funding flows, developing financial instruments to mitigate risks and attract investments, and forming a national strategic investment team led by the Palestinian Water Authority to unify efforts and coordinate international support.
Minister Al-Mimi concluded by reaffirming that Palestine continues its fieldwork despite political and humanitarian challenges, calling for strengthened regional and international partnerships to ensure sustainable Palestinian water security.