Home / War and Conflict / Gaza Families Pay for Basic Chores Amidst Destruction
Gaza Families Pay for Basic Chores Amidst Destruction
12 Sep
Summary
- Displaced families in Gaza pay for essential services like water and laundry.
- Mobile generators are rented to operate water pumps due to lack of electricity.
- Laundry services are costly, forcing families to budget for basic hygiene needs.
In Gaza, displaced families are compelled to pay for fundamental household chores due to severe infrastructure damage. Residents of Gaza City, like Hajj Rabhi al-Fairi, wait hours to rent a generator for minutes to operate their water pumps, a task now requiring personal payment for fuel.
This situation arises as neighborhoods and homes suffered extensive damage from conflict, leaving municipal electricity and water supplies non-functional. The cost of generator rental has also increased significantly since October 2025, adding to the financial strain on families.
Mobile generator services, like that provided by Khalil Abu Ouda, are in high demand but face challenges with scarce parts and rising fuel costs. His business operates 10-12 hours daily to meet the urgent need for water, which is essential for survival.
Beyond water, laundry services have also become a paid necessity. Abeer Ghorab notes the relief these services offer, especially in winter, but acknowledges the prohibitive cost for those with limited income. Basic appliances once common are now out of reach.
A United Nations assessment revealed that 91 percent of surveyed households faced water shortages, and about 60 percent of housing units are uninhabitable. This widespread destruction affects essential systems like water, electricity, and sanitation, forcing reliance on paid services.
Local laundries, like al-Hurriya, have adapted by using smaller machines due to electricity scarcity and high generator costs. A load of laundry costs between six and twelve shekels, depending on power source, a price many struggle to afford.
