Israel Destroys 40% of Rafah City’s Water Supply
Israeli Army Attacks Leave City of Rafah in Southern Gaza Strip Destroyed
The Mayor of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, Ahmed Sufi, has spoken out about the devastating attacks by the Israeli army targeting Rafah city, resulting in widespread destruction.
Sufi highlighted that Israel continues to carry out airstrikes on Rafah, systematically destroying the city’s infrastructure, including buildings, water and sewage networks, streets, public areas, cultural centers, and parks. He described the situation as turning Rafah city into a disaster area.
According to Sufi, the southern part of Rafah, covering 35 percent of the city, has been completely destroyed, turning it into a border buffer zone established by the Israeli army. Areas from Abu Bakr Street to the Egyptian border in the south and from Salahuddin Street to Rashid Street in the west have been left in ruins.
Furthermore, the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of certain neighborhoods east of Rafah where displaced Palestinians sought refuge. This was followed by a ground offensive in the Rafah district, capturing the Gaza side of the border gate with Egypt.
In a particularly concerning incident, Israeli forces blew up a well and a main water tank in the Tel Sultan neighborhood west of Rafah. Sufi condemned this act as a crime against humanity, exacerbating the already severe drinking water crisis in Rafah following the bombing of the main water reservoir. He called for an immediate halt to Israel’s attacks on Gaza, the opening of border gates, and the delivery of necessary aid to mitigate the impact of the assaults.
Haaretz newspaper reported that the Israeli army admitted to soldiers blowing up the water tank in Rafah without proper authorization. The army has launched an investigation into the incident, which has caused international condemnation.
Since the commencement of the attacks on October 7, thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives and sustained injuries, with many still trapped under the rubble. Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, continues to be targeted, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The international community has called for an end to the violence and for immediate assistance to be provided to those affected by the conflict.
