Human Rights Watch released a report Dec. 19 accusing Israeli authorities of intentionally depriving Palestinian civilians in Gaza of adequate access to water since October 2023. This systematic obstruction is said to have caused or contributed to "thousands of deaths," and is part of a policy aimed at "inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of part of a population," thereby legally constituting an "act of genocide."

The report, titled "Extermination and Acts of Genocide: Israel Deliberately Depriving Palestinians in Gaza of Water," details how Israeli forces have cut off water supplies and damaged critical infrastructure necessary for safe drinking and sanitation. According to HRW, Israeli authorities have not only restricted piped water but have also rendered much of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure inoperable by cutting electricity and blocking essential repair materials.

The rights organization's findings also document how many residents have been left with less than the minimum amount of water required for survival, set at only 15 liters per person per day during emergencies. Additionally, the organization reports increased mortality rates attributable to dehydration and preventable diseases, calling for urgent international intervention to prevent further loss of life and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

This current crisis is rooted in long-standing issues regarding water access in Gaza, exacerbated by military conflicts and blockades that have limited the enclave's ability to maintain its water infrastructure. Gaza has faced chronic water shortages due to reliance on a polluted aquifer and restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on infrastructure development. Historical restrictions dating back to 1967 have required Palestinians to obtain Israeli approval for drilling wells or making repairs, severely limiting their ability to manage local water resources effectively.

According to several international organizations, the ongoing conflict has significantly damaged existing water infrastructure. As of December 2023 more than half a million people, or "one in four households in the Gaza Strip," were experiencing food insecurity and the breakdown of essential livelihoods.

From JURIST, Dec. 19. Used with permission.

See our last reports on control of Gaza's water, and genocide accusations against Israel.