A recent report by Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of causing the deaths of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza by systematically restricting and targeting the region's water supply. The rights group alleges that Israel's actions amount to 'acts of genocide' against the Palestinian population.
The report claims that Israeli authorities have deliberately cut the flow of water and electricity to Gaza, destroyed infrastructure, and prevented the distribution of critical supplies. This has led to countless deaths from malnutrition, dehydration, and illness among infants, children, and adults in Gaza.
Human Rights Watch stated that these actions constitute a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population, amounting to the crime against humanity of extermination. The report highlighted a significant reduction in Gaza's water supply, from 83 liters per person per day before the war to as low as two to nine liters currently, well below the World Health Organization's recommended daily amount.
The organization also accused Israeli forces of destroying key water infrastructure, including wastewater treatment plants and reservoirs, and cutting off electricity to essential facilities like desalination plants. Despite international calls for providing basic services to Palestinians, Israeli officials allegedly ignored these demands.
Israel has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that its military actions in Gaza are directed at Hamas militants and not civilians. The country has refuted claims of genocide and emphasized its efforts to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza in compliance with international law.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction, with over 45,000 Palestinians killed and a large portion of the population displaced. International aid groups have raised concerns about the limited access to aid shipments in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Human Rights Watch's report follows similar accusations by other organizations, including Amnesty International, which also accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel has rejected these claims and faced allegations of war crimes in international courts.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing violence and humanitarian challenges affecting the civilian population. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and increased support for the people of Gaza.
