Israel Committing Genocide for Denying Water in Gaza, Says Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing “acts of genocide” by cutting off water supplies to Palestinians in Gaza. According to HRW’s extensive investigation, these actions are part of a deliberate policy aimed at inflicting conditions that threaten the survival of Gaza’s population. The term “genocide by deprivation” has emerged as a key focus in the ongoing crisis.
Systematic Denial of Water Access
The HRW report, spanning 184 pages, highlights Israel’s systematic obstruction of water supplies since October 2023. This includes blocking pipelines delivering drinking water to Gaza, cutting electricity needed to operate water pumps, and disabling desalination and wastewater treatment facilities. Even backup solar-powered systems were destroyed by Israeli forces, leaving no options for emergency repairs. HRW Middle East Director Lama Fakih called these measures a calculated effort to deny Palestinians access to life-sustaining resources.
Critical Water Shortages in Gaza
As a result of these measures, Palestinians in Gaza have access to only two to nine liters of water per day in many areas. This is significantly below the 15-liter threshold required for basic survival, as defined by international standards. The shortage has exacerbated the spread of diseases and increased death rates. HRW’s Acting Israel and Palestine Director, Bill Van Esveld, described the policy as a “clear extermination strategy.”
Findings Align with Genocide Criteria
The HRW report states that Israel’s actions meet the criteria for genocide outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention. By intentionally inflicting conditions designed to destroy a population, Israel’s policies are alleged to aim at the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza. The report also cites statements from Israeli officials, which HRW claims indicate intent to harm or destroy Palestinians as a group.
International Criticism and Legal Implications
Israel has rejected HRW’s findings, calling them baseless. However, international legal bodies are taking notice. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) previously issued provisional measures requiring Israel to ensure basic humanitarian aid in Gaza. HRW argues that Israel has violated these measures, further strengthening the case for international accountability. Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former defense chief, accusing them of war crimes.
Read: Death Toll in Gaza Soars Beyond 45,000
Calls for Action by the International Community
HRW has urged the global community to impose targeted sanctions and suspend arms transfers to Israel. It also recommends revisiting trade and political agreements to pressure Israel into compliance with international law. Amnesty International’s recent findings, which also labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, further amplify these calls for accountability.
Widespread Destruction and Loss of Life
The ongoing war has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths, displaced the majority of Gaza’s population, and reduced the region to ruins. With international scrutiny growing, the issue of “genocide by deprivation” remains a focal point in the debate over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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