What It’s About
The outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip in October brought immediate concerns about the water supply for Palestinians. Despite previous fragility in the water infrastructure, the conflict exacerbated the situation. However, amid hostilities, Israel took steps to ensure the water flow from its territory to Gaza.
Why It Matters
This situation highlights Israel’s efforts to balance national security with humanitarian needs under extreme circumstances. By repairing damaged water pipelines and collaborating with Palestinian workers, Israel demonstrated a commitment to alleviate civilian suffering, despite the obstacles posed by war.
Actions Taken
When Hamas launched a deadly attack, Israel’s initial directive was to cease all resource transfers to Gaza. However, recognizing the dire humanitarian implications, Israeli authorities, including the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Water Authority, and Mekorot (Israel’s national water company) coordinated to restore the water supply.
Coordination and Repair Efforts
The process involved complex repairs on both sides of the border. Mekorot workers under heavy security repaired pipelines in the southern sector of Israel. For the damaged pipelines on the Palestinian side, Israeli officials facilitated cooperation with Palestinian engineers to carry out necessary restoration under IDF security.
The Challenges
Repairing the Gaza water system was fraught with difficulty due to ongoing shelling, precarious infrastructure, and political tension. Initial efforts to close down the water supply were thwarted by targeting from Hamas, leading to a recalibrated approach favoring discreet but effective coordination.
The Outcome
Eventually, through continuous efforts and numerous repair attempts, water flow to Gaza was restored. Despite political declarations about cutting off supplies, practical steps were taken to re-establish access to necessary resources under tough conditions.
Looking Forward
The renewed water supply, while a significant achievement, does not fully alleviate Gaza’s broader water issues, exacerbated by poor infrastructure and high loss rates. Yet, it underscores Israel’s commitment to facilitating humanitarian aid even amidst ongoing conflict, reflecting a nuanced approach to warfare that distinguishes between militant activity and civilian welfare.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.