oPt: Norway provides NOK 25 million to UNICEF to sustain critical water, sanitation and hygiene services in Gaza

EXTRACTO DEL FEED · ATRIBUIDO AL MEDIO

Countries: occupied Palestinian territory, Norway

Source: Government of Norway

Critical water shortage in Gaza

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.