Crisis in Northern Gaza: Residents have no access to this basic facility

Returning residents were stunned by the widespread destruction from Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas militants. Many have retreated back to the southern region or less damaged areas, while others remain, either attempting to repair their homes or living in tents while awaiting Arab funding for reconstruction.

The most pressing challenge for those who stayed is access to water.

"We returned to find nothing - no pumps, no wells, no buildings, no homes," one resident told Reuters.

"We've set up tents for shelter, but there's no water," he repeatedly emphasized to journalists. "We simply have no water."

Reuters reports that water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene has become a luxury in Gaza. One resident described walking 10 miles to Gaza City just to find enough water for a shower.

Some have resorted to digging makeshift wells near the coastline or using brackish tap water from Gaza's only aquifer, now contaminated with seawater and sewage.

Despite suffering from health issues including cartilage damage, one resident must walk long distances to fill buckets from a water pipe. "We have no choice but to ignore the pain - we have to," he explained.

A 12-year-old boy described pulling a cart for several kilometers to bring water to his family. Another resident, 35, reported that municipal water is available only once every three days, forcing him to haul heavy water containers to his roof by rope. "The physical strain is enormous, and everyone - from children to the elderly - needs water," he said.

The war's impact on infrastructure has been devastating: of the 306 wells that existed before the conflict, 208 are now inoperable.

Hamas's mayor of Beit Lahia placed blame on Israel: "The severe shortage exists because the occupation prevents entry of necessary equipment - drills, excavators, machines, and generators needed for well operation and construction."

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced that Israel is collaborating with international agencies to restore water lines to Gaza.

For now, as Gazans begin rebuilding their destroyed structures, Hamas focuses on reconstituting its military capabilities - setting the stage for future conflict.