According to the reports on Tuesday (4 March), Israel has cut off electricity to two major desalination plants in central Gaza, depriving thousands of Palestinians of access to clean water. The Deir Al-Balah Municipality stated that the South Sea and Basra Desalination Plants, which produce about 20,000 cubic meters of water daily, have ceased operations. Officials warn that water shortages have reached a critical level, with only 25 percent of the normal supply available. Hospitals, shelters, and households are struggling as more than 70 percent of Gaza’s water infrastructure has been destroyed.
The humanitarian crisis has worsened as Israel has also blocked all food and aid from entering Gaza, causing food prices to skyrocket. The United Nations reported that essential items like flour and vegetables are now 100 times more expensive. Displaced residents describe the situation as a death sentence, with many struggling to secure even the most basic necessities. Humanitarian organizations are urging international pressure on Israel to allow aid deliveries.
In Israel, tensions are escalating as families of hostages confronted security guards in parliament, demanding answers from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Chaos erupted as bereaved relatives tried to enter a debate on a governmental inquiry into the October 2023 attacks. Security personnel clashed with family members, leading to emotional outbursts and physical altercations. The incident highlights growing public frustration over the government’s handling of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue military raids in the occupied West Bank, detaining scores of Palestinians. Witnesses reported that Israeli troops turned several homes in Beit Rima into military outposts and imposed a curfew. Overnight raids across multiple areas have resulted in dozens of arrests and heightened tensions. Since January, at least 65 Palestinians have been killed, with thousands displaced due to ongoing military operations.
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