Human Rights Watch: Israel’s Water Restrictions in Gaza Amount to Genocide

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has recently issued a report asserting that Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly the deprivation of water, constitute acts of genocide. This claim is based on the organization’s findings that Israeli authorities have systematically and intentionally denied Palestinian civilians access to adequate water supplies since the escalation of military hostilities in October 2023.

The report shows that this deprivation has likely resulted in thousands of deaths due to dehydration and disease, thereby fulfilling criteria for genocide as defined by the 1948 Genocide Convention.

HRW states that Israeli forces have cut off and restricted piped water to Gaza, damaged water infrastructure, and obstructed humanitarian efforts to deliver essential water supplies. This has left many residents with access to only a few liters of water daily, far below the survival threshold of 15 liters per person.

The lack of clean water has led to a public health crisis, with significant increases in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and hepatitis A. Vulnerable populations, including infants and pregnant women, are particularly at risk.
The report argues that the systematic nature of these actions indicates a genocidal intent, as they are designed to bring about the physical destruction of a significant portion of the Palestinian population in Gaza. Statements from

Israeli officials suggesting an intent to harm Palestinians further support this assertion.
HRW calls for immediate international action to prevent further genocide in Gaza, including sanctions against Israel and support for accountability measures through international legal frameworks like the International Criminal Court.

The allegations from HRW align with similar claims made by other organizations, including Amnesty International, which has also concluded that Israel’s actions amount to genocide against Palestinians. Amnesty’s reports highlight ongoing killings and the imposition of living conditions intended to destroy the Palestinian population physically.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 44,000 reported deaths since the conflict escalated, alongside widespread destruction of infrastructure critical for survival.The international community faces increasing pressure to respond effectively to these allegations and address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.