Israel-Palestine Water Crisis: HRW Accuses Israel of Genocide
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a damning report accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza by deliberately restricting their access to water. The report details how, since October 2023, Israeli authorities have severely limited water supplies, causing widespread disease and death among the over two million Gazans. HRW cites statements from Palestinians, water officials, and healthcare workers to support its claims.
Deliberate Deprivation: A Calculated Policy?
The report alleges that Israel’s actions are not mere negligence but a calculated policy of deprivation. HRW executive director Tirana Hassan stated that this policy has resulted in thousands of deaths from dehydration and disease, constituting a crime against humanity and an act of genocide. The report highlights statements by Israeli officials following the October 7th Hamas attack, indicating an intention to cut off Gaza’s water supply as a retaliatory measure.
Water and Electricity Shortages Exacerbate the Crisis
The report details how Israel’s actions have cut off Gaza not just from water, but also from electricity and other necessities. The water supply from pipelines, accounting for a significant portion of Gaza’s drinking water, has been drastically reduced. Coupled with the reduced electricity supply, damage to water infrastructure, and restrictions on fuel imports, water production in Gaza plummeted to a mere 5.7 percent between October 2023 and mid-February 2024, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Health Crisis: Disease Outbreaks in Gaza
The severe water shortage has triggered a public health crisis. Outbreaks of diarrhea, skin diseases, and acute respiratory infections have soared. The lack of clean water and sanitation has also facilitated the resurgence of polio, with a case reported in a 10-month-old child – the first case in 25 years. UNICEF reported a sharp increase in diarrhea cases among children under five, and a doctor who worked in Gaza described widespread diarrhea among patients and locals. The WHO reported over 225,000 cases of skin diseases and over 1 million cases of acute respiratory infections due to unsanitary conditions.
Israel’s Response and International Condemnation
Israel has vehemently rejected HRW’s accusations, dismissing the report as anti-Israel propaganda. The Israeli foreign ministry spokesman denounced the report on X (formerly Twitter), labeling it as ‘blood libels.’ This stark contrast in narratives underscores the deeply contested nature of the conflict and the urgent need for independent investigations to ascertain the facts on the ground. The international community faces the critical challenge of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and holding all parties accountable for violations of international law.
