Palestinians in Gaza face dire water and sanitation conditions, Khan Yunis - 21 Mar 2024

Internally displaced Palestinian Hanan Al-Shafi'i 'Umm Adl', 30, a mother to nine children, showering one of her children, at their shelter in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. Hanan said that she and her children have been displaced twice within Khan Yunis since the outbreak of the conflict. With no access to fresh water, her children walk long distances to fetch water to meet their daily needs of 40 liters of clean water for drinking and cooking and 70 liters for washing and personal hygiene. According to the United Nations, the majority of people in the Gaza Strip face dire water and sanitation conditions as WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) facilities that provide basic services have been damaged or destroyed. Since 07 October 2023, up to 1.9 million people have been displaced throughout the Gaza Strip, according to UNRWA, which added that most civilians in Gaza are in 'desperate need of humanitarian assistance and protection'. World Water Day, which is held annually on 22 March, focuses on the importance of global access to safe and clean water. This year's theme is 'Leveraging Water for Peace'.