Water in Gaza
The water crisis in the Gaza Strip is one of the largest humanitarian disasters, deeply impacting the lives of Gaza’s residents. It has left them facing daily suffering that threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands, especially children and women, who have been deprived of their most basic human rights and find themselves in long queues for clean water amid a severe shortage of resources and the ongoing destruction of infrastructure.
Severe water shortages
Before the crisis, Gaza’s per capita freshwater supply was only about 20.5 liters per day, compared to the international average of 100-300 liters per day. This vast difference reflects the extent of the struggle the strip’s residents were experiencing to meet their basic water needs.
Groundwater pollution and salinity
Gaza relies heavily on groundwater, but 97% of it is undrinkable due to contamination and seawater intrusion, leading to high salinity. As a result, only 4% of the population had access to clean water before the crisis.
The Gaza Strip’s fragile infrastructure
Gaza relies entirely on three limited desalination plants, in addition to three external water supply pipelines. These plants ceased operation completely at the onset of the crisis, leaving a severe shortage of water to meet the needs of the population. Consequently, the sight of water trucks selling water was familiar even before the start of the recent war, given the strip’s dire need for large-scale desalination projects amid the dilapidated infrastructure.
The shortage of water is another crisis added to the long list of crises plaguing the Strip. This situation has forced thousands of families to rely on unsafe water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases that the dilapidated health sector is unable to combat.
The majority of Gaza’s population is unable to access safe drinking water. With some simple desalination efforts and reliance on a few wells, Gazans obtain water after waiting in line for six to ten hours, a situation that can occur once every two weeks. This role is usually taken on by children who spend their days collecting water or food.
Gaza’s desert climate means rainwater is not a reliable source of water throughout the year. Like many parts of the world, Gaza is experiencing the effects of climate change and seeing hotter, drier periods.
Despite the climatic conditions, it is important to note that the water crisis in Gaza is largely man made and a direct result of occupation. Israel, Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem share roughly the same climate, but there is a stark difference in Palestinians’ ability to access water as well as the quality of that water.
The average Israeli citizen consumes around 240 litres of water per day, three times that of a Palestinian in the West Bank (82 litres) and 80 times what people in Gaza currently have access to.
Desalination is a process several countries use to remove salt from seawater, making it safe to use for drinking and farming. It is particularly heavily employed in the Middle East and Gaza does have a desalination plant. However, without stable electricity and fuel supplies, the desalination plant cannot function properly and provide safe water.
On top of this, Gaza’s access to the sea is tightly restricted and has become more so since the escalation began.
Thanks to your support, as part of our urgent response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Islamic Relief is working to provide clean water to the people of the strip. So far, over 110,115 people have benefited daily from the clean water distributed by water tankers. These efforts have continued throughout the crisis and alhamdulillah, continue to this day. Providing and distributing clean water is an integral part of our daily relief efforts to alleviate the water crisis in Gaza.
Thanks to you, we can restore hope to the people of Gaza and bring smiles to the faces of grieving families. Water can save lives. By supporting Islamic Relief, you will be helping the people of Gaza to receive this vital aid, especially in this blessed month of Ramadan.
The Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Any Muslim who gives a thirsty Muslim a drink, Allah will give him a drink of the sealed nectar.”
Providing water to the people of Gaza during Ramadan is one of the greatest acts of kindness and one of the most beloved deeds to God, especially during this holy month when rewards are multiplied. Water is the foundation of life, and the people of Gaza suffer from a severe shortage of potable water due to the blockade and the difficult circumstances they endure. Providing them with clean water is an ongoing charity and an act that quenches their thirst and alleviates their suffering. It also reflects the values
The noble companion of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Sa`d ibn `Ubadah (may Allah be pleased with him), asked the Messenger of Allah “which charity is best?” Meaning, which charitable acts are most rewarding and beneficial? The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Giving water to drink.”
As the crisis continues, your contribution makes a huge difference in the lives of the people of Gaza. Water is the key to life , and providing it saves lives and restores hope to distressed families. Save lives this Ramadan. Donate now.
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Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.