Why have water, sewage, and electricity services been inadequate in the Gaza Strip?

Inadequate water, sewage, and electrical services in the Gaza Strip are driven by a combination of demographic and political factors. The region faces significant strain due to its dense and rapidly increasing population, which is among the highest growth rates in the world.1

These infrastructure challenges are further exacerbated by the political environment. Since September 2007, Israel has imposed sanctions on the territory, which have included power cuts and heavily restricted imports. Following the declaration of the Gaza Strip as a hostile entity under Hamas, these sanctions—including border closures and the temporary prevention of fuel imports—have severely limited the ability to maintain and operate essential public services. While humanitarian aid from international partners like Qatar has provided some relief, the ongoing blockade and political instability continue to hinder the consistent delivery of basic utilities to the civilian population.12