Desalination Plant in Gaza Resumes Operations Amid Postwar Reconstruction Efforts

Last month, a small but meaningful step was taken towards the restoration of basic public services in Gaza with the quiet resumption of operations at the Deir el-Balah desalination plant. This marks a significant development after more than 14 months of war and devastation in the Palestinian territory, as Israeli and Palestinian authorities worked together to revive a critical water source for Gaza residents.

The desalination plant, now reconnected to Israel's electricity grid, has resumed producing approximately 16,000 cubic meters of water per day, which serves over 600,000 people in the central and southern Gaza regions, including Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis. Despite the positive development, the plant's current production capacity remains limited, struggling to meet the overwhelming demand caused by the devastation of Gaza’s water infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.

Before the war, the Deir el-Balah plant, one of three seawater desalination facilities in Gaza, provided 15% of the water needed by the 2 million-plus residents of the territory. However, in the wake of the war’s outbreak in October 2023, the plant could only operate at minimal capacity, relying on solar panels and generators, due to severe fuel shortages and extensive damage to the infrastructure.

UNICEF played a key role in the restoration process, securing an agreement with Israel to reconnect the plant to the electricity grid. Despite challenges in repairing the damaged power line from Kissufim, the efforts of both Israeli and Palestinian authorities demonstrate the potential for cooperation in Gaza’s postwar recovery and administration.

The limited operation of the desalination plant highlights the immense needs faced by Gaza residents, who continue to struggle with accessing basic necessities such as clean water, food, and shelter. The plant's reopening, while not solving the broader crisis, offers a tentative glimpse into potential solutions and pathways for postwar governance in Gaza, with the Palestinian Authority playing a central role in coordinating infrastructure efforts.

Diplomats close to the project suggest that the success of this initiative could provide valuable lessons for future rebuilding efforts and governance in Gaza, as the Palestinian Authority seeks to strengthen its influence after years of Hamas control. The collaboration between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and humanitarian organizations is crucial in preventing further humanitarian disasters, such as disease outbreaks, that could exacerbate the situation for Gaza's population and hostages still held in the region.