Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza by depriving them of adequate water supplies. According to a recent report by HRW, Israeli authorities have denied Palestinians the minimum quantity of water required for survival in prolonged emergency situations, as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). This has led to thousands of deaths and the spread of numerous diseases among the Palestinian population.
The WHO states that individuals need between 50 and 100 liters of water per day to meet their basic needs. However, in protracted emergency situations, this amount can drop to 15 to 20 liters per day for drinking and washing. Unfortunately, most Palestinians in Gaza do not have access to even this minimal amount of water, with the water available to them being unsafe to drink.
HRW has labeled Israel's actions as acts of genocide under international conventions and statutes. The organization highlights that the deprivation of water is causing slow deaths among Palestinians in Gaza, including infants who are suffering from malnourishment and dehydration due to the lack of clean water.
Israel has denied these accusations, with a foreign ministry spokesperson dismissing the report as 'full of lies.' The Israeli government claims to have facilitated the continuous flow of water and humanitarian aid into Gaza, as well as maintaining operational water infrastructure in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant damage to water and sanitation infrastructure, with reports indicating that up to 84% of these facilities have been destroyed. The destruction of critical water reservoirs and pipelines has further exacerbated the water crisis in the region.
The lack of access to safe drinking water has led to a surge in diseases in Gaza, with cases of polio and bacterial infections on the rise. The decimation of Gaza's healthcare system has made it challenging to track and address these health issues effectively.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have shown some positive signs, with both parties engaged in talks in the Qatari capital. While reaching an agreement remains uncertain, there is cautious optimism that a resolution may be possible in the near future.
