Norway is providing NOK 25 million (appr. USD 2.5 million) to UNICEF to help maintain critical water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Gaza.

‘The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis. Even basic needs such as access to clean water are difficult to meet, increasing the risk of disease. This contribution will help keep life-saving water and sanitation services running for people affected by the crisis,’ said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.

The announcement was made during a meeting on the critical situation facing Palestinian children, held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Access to clean water remains extremely limited for Gaza’s two million residents, approximately one million of whom are children. More than 63 per cent of the population survives on less than six litres of water per day. Access to less than 10 litres per person per day is considered a critically low level. Around 20 litres is generally regarded as the minimum required to meet basic needs such as drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.

Critical needs

‘The needs in Gaza are both immense and urgent. The situation is particularly serious for children and other vulnerable groups. We must do what we can to help improve the future prospects of the one million children living in Gaza,’ said Åsmund Aukrust.

The United Nations and humanitarian organisations operating in Gaza face extremely challenging conditions due to ongoing hostilities, widespread destruction, highly restricted access and insufficient funding.

Supporting water supply and waste management

UNICEF plays a central role in water, sanitation and hygiene efforts in Gaza and coordinates the response in this sector. The Norwegian contribution will support, among other activities, water distribution, the operation of critical WASH services, and solid waste management. The assistance will help sustain essential services for the population of Gaza.

The delivery of water by tanker trucks remains a lifeline for people in Gaza. Water supplies are under severe pressure, while increasing volumes of waste and poor sanitation conditions heighten the risk of disease outbreaks and other public health challenges.