A study conducted by the Public Health Laboratory in the Gaza Strip revealed significant risks to public health, as a result of the high rates of pollution of various sources of water due to the repercussions of the extermination war launched by Israel on Gaza.
The study was conducted on drinking water in southern Gaza – specifically in the provinces of Khan Yunis and Central – between December 2023 and May 2025.
The study showed a major pollution, especially in uneducated water sources, as the different types of bacteria exceeded the borders set by the World Health Organization, and the levels of chlorine used to sterilize water were below the global level.
The salinity levels in the groundwater wells reached critical levels, which reflects a large leakage of sea water, and the damage to the sewage networks increased the risk of groundwater pollution through the leakage.
As a result, civilians often depend on unsafe water sources, or water shares drop to less than humanitarian standards.
The study said that the failure of water sterilization contributes directly to health risks.
The results highlighted the urgent need to protect the water infrastructure, ensure the continued sterilization of water with chlorine, and the enhancement of emergency water and sewage services.