Israel 'weaponizing thirst' in Gaza
Two Palestinian water delivery truck drivers were killed by Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip on April 17, prompting aid groups to halt activities in the area. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned that the attack threatens vital humanitarian operations supplying clean water to hundreds of thousands of people.
Early that morning, two men were killed by Israeli fire at the Mansoura water filling port in northern Gaza. The attack, which occurred during routine water trucking operations, also left two others injured. The Mansoura site is the only operational truck filling port for the Mekorot water supply line serving Gaza City.
UNICEF released a statement saying that the attack occurred during routine water trucking operations, with no changes in movement or procedures. The water plant is used by UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations multiple times a day to sustain critical water trucking operations for hundreds of thousands of people. Because of the attack, UNICEF contractors have been told to suspend on-site activities until the security situation in the area is restored.
The agency called on Israeli authorities to "immediately investigate this incident, and ensure full accountability."
Moreover, the organization stressed that "humanitarian workers, essential service providers, and civilian infrastructure, including critical water facilities, must never be targeted. The protection of civilians and those delivering life-saving assistance is an obligation under international humanitarian law."
Wafa News Agency, on the same day as the attack, reported that an Israeli drone targeted a water desalination plant in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood east of Gaza City. The attack killed one civilian and injured two others.
UN experts last year said that Israel uses "thirst as a weapon to kill Palestinians." The experts noted that since October 2023, Israel's military operations have repeatedly targeted water facilities, wells, pipelines, desalination units, and sewage systems. As of July 2025, 89% of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure had been damaged or destroyed by Israeli forces, leaving 90% of households water insecure.
From JURIST, April 20. Used with permission.
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