Access to clean drinking water has become one of the most urgent challenges facing communities in Gaza, with water infrastructure across Gaza severely damaged by years of conflict.
Today, 91 per cent of households experience water insecurity, with many people surviving on less than six litres of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, washing and cleaning, well below the minimum 15 litres required to meet basic daily needs.
The shortage of safe water, combined with overcrowded living conditions, damaged sanitation systems and limited healthcare services, has heightened the risk of disease and further compounded the suffering of families already enduring prolonged displacement.
In response, Caritas Jerusalem has launched a water trucking intervention, delivering clean drinking water directly to shelters, displacement camps and communities where access to safe water has been cut off. The initiative is being delivered in close coordination with local authorities and community leaders to ensure vulnerable families receive support safely and fairly.
One of the communities benefiting from the intervention is the Al-Abraj area, where residents have experienced prolonged shortages of clean drinking water.
"We have been suffering from a shortage of clean water in this area," said Yehia Abdo, Regional Director for Al-Abraj. "Caritas Jerusalem has now provided us with clean water, and we are grateful for your kind efforts. This is the best-quality water we have received in a long time. We truly appreciate your support."
Mr Abdo said access to water had become increasingly difficult after key routes were cut off, forcing residents to travel long distances in search of safe drinking water.
"This camp has an urgent need for water due to the long distances people must travel after access routes were cut off," he said. "We issued an emergency appeal, and Caritas Jerusalem responded. The water quality is excellent. Thank you, Caritas Jerusalem."
For families living through months of displacement and uncertainty, access to clean water is not only a basic necessity but a matter of survival, health and dignity.
In addition to water deliveries, Caritas Jerusalem is distributing emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) kits containing essential hygiene and dignity items. The kits help families maintain basic hygiene standards despite extremely challenging conditions and contribute to reducing the spread of waterborne diseases and protecting public health.
Caritas Australia's Humanitarian Manager, Sally Thomas, said this work is critical to preserving health, dignity and life. "The generosity of Australians supporting our Gaza Crisis Appeal is helping Caritas reach vulnerable communities with safe drinking water and other essential assistance. At a time when so many families have lost access to basic services, these interventions are helping prevent disease and preserve their dignity in extraordinarily difficult circumstances."
Through the Gaza Crisis Appeal, Caritas Australia continues to support Caritas Jerusalem's efforts to provide lifesaving assistance to communities affected by the conflict, ensuring families can access safe water, emergency health services and other critical humanitarian support.
To support Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/gaza or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au  
