Allegations of Genocide
Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Israel of committing “acts of genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza by deliberately depriving them of adequate water supplies. The report, covering the period from October 2023 to September 2024, claims Israel’s actions have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread disease. HRW asserts that Israel’s actions have violated international law by failing to provide the minimum amount of water required for survival in emergency situations, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Water Deprivation and Health Risks
The WHO defines basic water needs as between 50 to 100 liters per person per day, but in protracted emergencies, the minimum can drop to 15-20 liters for drinking and washing. According to HRW, for Gaza’s 2 million residents, even this minimal amount is out of reach. The water they do have access to is mostly unsafe for consumption, leading to outbreaks of diseases. HRW further highlights the dire consequences for newborns, particularly when malnourished mothers are forced to mix formula with contaminated water, contributing to a slow, tragic death toll.
Israel’s Denial and Response
In response to HRW’s allegations, Israel’s foreign ministry spokesperson denied the accusations, calling the report “full of lies.” Israel maintains that it has facilitated the continuous flow of water and humanitarian aid into Gaza and has kept vital water infrastructure operational, including water pipelines and desalination facilities.
Water Infrastructure Damage
The conflict has caused significant damage to Gaza’s water infrastructure, with reports showing that nearly 60% of it was destroyed by January 2024, escalating to 84% by August. In July, a critical water reservoir in Rafah was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, further exacerbating the region’s water crisis.
International Law Violations
Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, the UN special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water, condemned Israel’s actions in November 2023, calling it a “brazen breach of international law.” He stressed that the ongoing deprivation of water puts Gazans at risk of death due to thirst and waterborne diseases.
Health Crisis in Gaza
The lack of access to safe water has led to a public health crisis in Gaza. Diseases such as polio and bacterial infections, including diarrhea, have spread rapidly. Polio, a highly contagious viral disease, was detected in Gaza in July 2023, the first case in 25 years. The region’s healthcare system, already weakened by the conflict, has struggled to manage the growing health risks.
Ongoing Conflict and Negotiations
The report from HRW comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with no clear end in sight. However, there are indications of positive movement in negotiations for a ceasefire. Hamas has expressed cautious optimism, with reports indicating that indirect negotiations in Qatar are progressing.
