By Mel Frykberg, Sept. 16, 2009 – Copyright© IPS-Inter Press Service.

RAMALLAH, Sep 16 (IPS) – The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that Gaza’s access to safe supply of drinking water could cease at any time. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says outbreaks of disease could be triggered as a consequence.

... During Israel’s bombardment of Gaza during the December-January war, the strip’s already degraded infrastructure was heavily targeted.

... Javier Cordoba, the ICRC water and habitation coordinator who is supervising Red Cross reconstruction efforts in Gaza says the situation is very fragile. “A lack of construction material and parts has led to a de-development of the water infrastructure, which could collapse at any minute,” Cordoba told IPS.

The population of Gaza is submitted to an Israeli and Egyptian blockade.
     / La population de Gaza est soumise à un blocus israélien et égyptien.