The ongoing conflict in Gaza, now entering its eighth month, has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly highlighting an acute water shortage. The seawater desalination plant in Deir al-Balah is overwhelmed with displaced Palestinians queuing to fill gallons of water. Many, like Ahmed Mahmoud, endure daily struggles to secure even basic necessities such as water, walking long distances and standing under the harsh sun for hours.
The Israeli military operations have caused a drastic cut in water and fuel supplies, aggravating the already dire situation. The displacement from various neighborhoods, notably from Rafah to Deir al-Balah, has compounded the crisis, creating unprecedented overcrowding at water facilities. The price of fresh water has surged, adding to the daily challenges faced by the people. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported that around one million Palestinians have been forced to flee due to the Israeli incursions.
Simultaneously, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, during his visit to Beijing, has underscored the urgent need to halt the war in Gaza. Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, both leaders emphasized the extreme humanitarian, security, and political dangers posed by the continued Israeli military operations. They called for an immediate ceasefire and opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians, advocating for the two-state solution as vital for restoring peace and security in the region.
The discussions between El-Sisi and Xi Jinping also saw a focus on strengthening Egypt-China bilateral relations. Several cooperation agreements were signed between the nations, covering areas such as technological innovation, the Belt and Road Initiative, and Egypt's water security - highlighting a broader scope of international collaborations amidst the pressing regional issues.
- Palestinian women, like Umm Nabil, face immense challenges standing for long hours to obtain water, often failing due to water cuts or malfunctions. The distribution of both sweet and salty water has become more strained with the increase in displaced populations.
- The current crisis is exacerbated by the Israeli occupation army's recent expansion in Rafah, pushing further towards isolating Gaza from Egyptian territory. This military push has resulted in massive casualties and destruction, contributing to the worsening humanitarian situation.
- Egypt and China's partnership will see enhanced cooperation in various fields, including technology and infrastructure as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. This collaboration underlines the broader significance of international ties in addressing not just economic but also humanitarian crises.
- The need for sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Gaza remains critical. Authorities are urged to increase water filling points to alleviate the pressure on existing facilities and ensure equitable access to water for the displaced populations.
