Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report condemning Israeli authorities for allegedly depriving Palestinian civilians in Gaza of adequate access to water since October 2023. The report outlines what HRW describes as systematic obstruction leading to severe humanitarian consequences, including thousands of deaths that they qualify as crimes against humanity.
Titled “Extermination and Acts of Genocide: Israel Deliberately Depriving Palestinians in Gaza of Water,” the report provides evidence of Israeli forces cutting off water supplies and damaging critical infrastructure necessary for maintaining safe water and sanitation. According to HRW, the intentional damage and restrictions not only affect piped water supplies but have also rendered much of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure inoperable by reducing electricity and obstructing essential repair efforts.
The report highlights that many Gazans are living with less than the minimum amount of water required for survival, set at 15 liters per person per day during emergencies. This lack of access has resulted in increased mortality from dehydration and preventable diseases, prompting HRW to call for urgent international intervention.
Gaza’s water woes have a complicated history rooted in long-standing issues exacerbated by military conflicts and blockades. Historically, Gaza has relied on a heavily polluted aquifer, while Israeli authorities have imposed restrictions forbidding infrastructure development necessary for water management. These constraints date back to 1967 and have mandated Palestinians to obtain Israeli approval even for drilling wells or making repairs.
Further compounding the crisis is the ongoing conflict, which has significantly damaged existing water infrastructure. As of December 2023, over half a million people in Gaza are experiencing food insecurity alongside a breakdown of essential livelihood systems.
The full HRW report, which elaborates on these findings and calls for accountability, is available here.