Eighty-four percent of households in the Gaza Strip faced moderate-to-high water insecurity as of June 2026, according to the latest WASH Cluster monitoring, marking a continued decline in access to safe water since May. Drinking water was cited as the most urgent humanitarian concern by 62 percent of households, with sanitation and hygiene conditions also deteriorating sharply.
Water Security Crisis Intensifies
The WASH Cluster report highlights that 84 percent of households in Gaza experienced significant challenges in securing water for daily use by June 2026. This represents a worsening trend compared to May, when access to water for domestic purposes had already begun to decline. The report specifically notes that drinking water shortages were the primary issue, with 62 percent of households citing it as their most pressing need.
Sanitation and Health Risks Escalate
Sanitation conditions remain dire, with 86 percent of households reporting barriers to accessing toilets and latrines. These obstacles include insufficient water supply, lack of privacy, and unsanitary conditions. Environmental health risks are also prevalent, as 52 percent of households reported proximity to sewage or sludge, while 43 percent noted solid waste accumulation near shelters. Over half of households lacked essential hygiene items, exacerbating health risks such as skin diseases, scabies, bedbugs, and lice.
Did You Know? In June 2026, 64 percent of households in Gaza reported skin diseases or scabies, highlighting the severe impact of poor sanitation on public health.
Potential Future Scenarios
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Gaza households faced water insecurity in June 2026? Eighty-four percent of assessed households experienced moderate-to-high water insecurity.
What was the most pressing humanitarian concern reported by households? Drinking water shortages were cited by 62 percent of households as the most urgent issue.
What health risks are most prevalent due to poor sanitation? Skin diseases or scabies were reported by 64 percent of households, along with bedbugs (31 percent) and lice (22 percent).
How might the ongoing water and sanitation crises affect Gaza’s population in the coming months?
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