According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Israel is accused of ‘genocide’ actions in Gaza by preventing Palestinians from having sufficient amount of water. In its 179-page report, the agency described planned damage to water and sanitation infrastructure that reportedly caused instances of thousands of deaths. HRW argues that such measures constitute “extermination“, a crime against humanity.
Israel has strongly rejected the accusations. In a Twitter statement, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein rejected the report as “propaganda, and alleged that HRW has been “propagating blood libels.” He stated that Israel has been able to provide both water flow and humanitarian aid into Gaza, despite continuous terrorist attacks by Hamas.
Israel preventing Palestinians from water as genocide in Gaza continues for more than a year
The report, drawn from interviews with Gazan inhabitants, satellite data analysis, and expert opinion, draws attention to the systematic and deliberate efforts to demolish reservoirs, solar panels, and treatment facilities. It also charges Israel with cutting off repair and fueling supplies for critical infrastructure. As Tirana Hassan, Executive Director, HRW, has said, it “is a deliberate policy of starving”.
The Israeli military operation in Gaza, begun in the wake of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 people and held 251 hostages, is the first in its use of the ‘Qassam’ rocket games. Since that time, the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza has reported over 45,000 deaths there, but it has not given the number of deaths attributable to lack of water.
Check out this 2023 report from Human Rights Watch: Israeli Authorities’ Cutting of Water Leading to Public Health Crisis in Gaza
The findings of HRW highlight intent as a core issue in the determination of genocide. It reports to us evidence that senior Israeli policymakers have consciously aimed to inflict injury. However, accusations of such violations have been denied by Israel, which asserts that its operations are only directed against Hamas, and not on civilians.
This report adds to growing international scrutiny. The UN’s International Court of Justice is currently adjudicating a case alleging Israel’s genocide. The 1948 Genocide Convention defines genocide as crimes calculated to eliminate a group based on nationality, ethnicity, race, or religion.
What is Human Rights Watch?
New York-based Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people in 100 countries worldwide, spotlighting abuses and bringing perpetrators to justice. Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization that works as part of a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all.
Source: HRW
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