Israel is currently facing a severe water shortage due to an unusual algae bloom that has disrupted most of its desalination plants. Scientists believe this environmental crisis was triggered by the destruction of Gaza’s wastewater infrastructure during Israeli military operations, which led to a massive release of untreated sewage into the Mediterranean Sea. This sewage contains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which promote the growth of microalgae and cyanobacteria, leading to the large algae bloom that has clogged filters at five of Israel’s six major desalination plants. These plants have been operating at reduced capacity or shut down for days, significantly reducing Israel’s ability to produce fresh water. The damage to Gaza’s water and sanitation systems has been extensive. According to Médecins Sans Frontières, Israeli bombardments since October 2023 have destroyed 90% of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure, including wells, pipelines, reservoirs, and desalination units. Before the conflict, 80% of Gaza’s water came from an underground aquifer, but this source is now contaminated by seawater and wastewater and is no longer safe for drinking. Most of the remaining water supply comes from desalination plants and pipelines controlled by Israeli authorities, but these have been damaged or cut off, leaving many residents dependent on water trucks. The lack of proper sewage treatment has led to untreated waste flowing into the Mediterranean and into the groundwater, worsening the health and environmental crisis in Gaza. Omar Shatat, a water utility official in Gaza, said that 45,000 cubic meters of untreated sewage flow into the sea daily, while 15,000 cubic meters seep into the groundwater. Residents like Nas al-Barawi, a mother of five, describe the daily struggle of carrying water in containers and dealing with frequent illness among children due to contaminated water. Meanwhile, rodents have proliferated in the region, thriving in the conditions of raw sewage and overcrowded camps for displaced people. The environmental consequences of the conflict are now spilling over into Israel, with reports of increased rat infestations near the Gaza border and concerns about the spread of diseases like hepatitis A. Environmental groups like Zalul and EcoPeace Middle East are calling for the restoration of Gaza’s sewage system and cooperation with Israeli authorities to treat wastewater in controlled areas. However, with the onset of winter expected to worsen the situation, the crisis is likely to continue affecting both Gaza and Israel. Authorities in Israel are urging citizens to use water more carefully, and the disruption of agricultural irrigation could lead to rising food prices.