Residents of the Gaza Strip are facing severe challenges, particularly during the intense summer heat, as they struggle to access clean water amid ongoing conflict and displacement.

Rida Abu Hadayed, a 32-year-old mother living in a tent with her seven children, describes the unbearable heat and scarcity of water, forcing her to ration each drop to keep her children cool.

With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), the lack of electricity and water exacerbates the suffering of displaced families, leading to sleep deprivation and distress among children.

Aid organizations warn of potential illnesses due to reduced water availability, insufficient sanitation, and overcrowded living conditions for Gaza's 2 million residents.

Due to fuel shortages, only 40% of drinking water production facilities in Gaza are operational, contributing to severe water shortages affecting 93% of households, according to a UN report.

UNICEF warns that without adequate fuel supplies, the situation could lead to children dying of thirst in the enclave.

Residents report suffering from mosquito bites and poor sanitation, as inadequate sewage systems lead to garbage accumulation, further complicating their living conditions.

The situation is dire, as Israel has restricted supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine from entering Gaza for nearly three months, allowing only limited aid to flow in since May.

The plight of displaced families like the Hadayeds highlights the health risks posed to children due to the lack of water and medical supplies.

The lack of clean water has forced many residents to walk long distances to fetch water and to ration their limited supplies, impacting their hygiene and ability to cool down.

Residents face additional health risks from poor sanitation, as inadequate sewage systems lead to garbage accumulation, attracting insects and further compounding the threat of illness.

Yousef Hadayed, Rida's husband, emphasizes the dire state of their living conditions and the difficulties in accessing water.