Israel Slammed for Genocide in Gaza Water Crisis

A scathing report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of intentionally restricting water access in Gaza, leading to thousands of deaths and a surge in water-borne diseases. The report claims that Israel's actions amount to genocide, violating international law and potentially constituting a war crime.

HRW's report, released on Thursday, revealed that between October 2023 and September 2024, Israel failed to provide the minimum quantity of water required for survival in Gaza, as stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The minimum amount of water needed for drinking and washing is 15-20 liters per day, but most Palestinians in Gaza have been deprived of this basic necessity. The water they have access to is also often undrinkable, further exacerbating the crisis. The report states that Israel's blockade, restrictions on the flow of clean water, and destruction of Gaza's water infrastructure have all contributed to this crisis, leaving nearly 60% of the territory's water and sanitation infrastructure damaged or destroyed by hostilities.

The consequences of this crisis have been dire, with a sharp increase in polio cases, bacterial infections like diarrhea, and other water-borne diseases. Many Palestinians have been forced to drink from puddles and wade through sewage pools, making them susceptible to a range of hazardous health issues. HRW has accused Israel of using water as a weapon of war, a claim also echoed by Doctors Without Borders, which has reported signs of "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza, particularly in the north. The reports note that the scale of the devastation caused by the lack of water may never be fully understood due to the decimation of Gaza's healthcare system.

Israel has denied the accusations, claiming that it has facilitated the flow of water and humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, HRW maintains that this is not enough, arguing that Israel's actions are a "brazen breach of international law." The report warns that the case may escalate further, with Israel facing a case brought by South Africa at the International Court of Justice alleging that the war in Gaza breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. This incident marks the latest in a series of accusations of human rights abuses against Israel, with the report citing a statement by Israel's former Defence Minister that "no electricity, no food, no gas – it's all closed," as evidence of Israel's intentional disregard for Palestinian well-being.

As the crisis in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community must take action to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The reports from HRW and MSF serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of Israel's water restrictions, and the urgent need for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of Palestinians in Gaza.