Human Rights Watch Reports Israeli Water Denial Causes Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

A Human Rights Watch report accuses Israel of systematically denying water access to Gazans, resulting in thousands of deaths and potential crimes against humanity.

On Thursday, Human Rights Watch released a compelling report accusing Israeli authorities of grave human rights violations, particularly focusing on the systematic denial of adequate water access to Palestinian civilians in Gaza since October 2023.

This deliberate obstruction has reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths, prompting serious allegations of crimes against humanity, which may include acts of extermination and even genocide.

Water Supply and Human Rights Violations

The report, titled “Extermination and Acts of Genocide: Israel Deliberately Depriving Palestinians in Gaza of Water,” vividly illustrates how Israeli forces have intentionally cut off water supplies and crippled essential infrastructure needed for safe drinking and sanitation.

Human Rights Watch points out that the ramifications of these restrictions extend beyond merely impacting piped water systems.

They have also significantly impaired Gaza’s critical water and sanitation infrastructure by disrupting electricity supply and actively hindering the delivery of crucial repair materials.

Humanitarian Catastrophe and Water Access Challenges

As a result, many residents are struggling to obtain the bare minimum water needed for survival, set at just 15 liters per person per day during emergencies.

Alarmingly, the report highlights a rise in deaths linked to dehydration and preventable diseases.

Consequently, HRW is pressing for immediate international intervention to prevent further tragedies and to hold those responsible accountable for their destructive actions.

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is deeply rooted in longstanding challenges associated with water access.

Military conflicts and blockades have intensified these issues, crippling the region’s ability to maintain its water infrastructure.

Historically, Gaza has faced significant water shortages due to dependence on a contaminated aquifer, coupled with stringent restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities that complicate the development of essential water systems.

Impact on Food Security and Living Conditions

Even before the current conflict escalated, residents dealt with severe water concerns driven by reliance on this polluted source and enduring limitations requiring them to obtain Israeli approval for drilling wells and repairs.

These regulations have considerably undermined the local population’s capability to manage their water resources effectively.

Additionally, several international organizations have reported extensive damage to Gaza’s existing water infrastructure as a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict.

By December 2023, over 500,000 people—about one in four households in the Gaza Strip—were grappling with food insecurity, further disrupting their essential livelihoods and exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.

Source: Jurist