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Power
The war caused extensive long-term damage on top of earlier attacks putting it on the verge of collapse. During the conflict, Gaza's main power station closed for 10 days for lack industrial diesel from Israel. In addition, most power lines supplying electricity from Israel and Egypt were destroyed, causing a 75% or greater shortfall.
During the offensive, one million Gazans had no power, and a half million no running water. In addition, sewage couldn't be treated so it was dumped into the Mediterranean polluting beaches or ran in streets causing a severe health problem.
Bombing destroyed transformers, pylons, cabling, and the main stores and vehicles of the Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO). While key power lines are restored, 90% of residents endure power cuts of four - eight hours daily. Affected are homes and all other facilities, including hospitals forced to rely on back-up generators, themselves vulnerable for lack of spare parts.
Industrial fuel is also restricted causing the power plant to switch on and off when it's designed to stay running. As a result, it's wearing out and may end up beyond repair.
Water and Sanitation
Its infrastructure is badly damaged enough to need millions for restoration. Over 30 water network km were damaged or destroyed. Most are partly repaired, but nothing in Gaza functions properly given shortages of everything, including spare parts.
The conflict also destroyed or damaged 6,000 rooftop water tanks, 840 household connections, and key storage tanks throughout the Strip. A lack of cement prevents rebuilding. Generator imports also are prohibited, essential to supply water during power outages that increase in winter. Besides water stoppages, lost pipe pressure pollutes groundwater sent through them to households compounding the ongoing health crisis.
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