Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report on Thursday asserting that Israel’s denial of clean water to Palestinians in Gaza constitutes acts of genocide and extermination. The organization claims that this policy has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, characterizing it as part of a broader campaign of mass killing against civilians in the region.
“This policy, inflicted as part of a mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, means Israeli authorities have committed the crime against humanity of extermination, which is ongoing,” the report states. It further argues that the actions fall under the definition of genocide as outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Israel Denies Allegations, Cites Compliance with International Law
In response, Israeli officials have categorically rejected the accusations of genocide, asserting that the country has adhered to international law and has the right to defend itself following a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. The Israeli foreign ministry stated on X, “The truth is the complete opposite of HRW’s lies,” emphasizing that Israel has facilitated the flow of water and humanitarian aid into Gaza despite ongoing attacks from Hamas.
Intent and Accountability in Question
While HRW’s report describes the deprivation of water as an act of genocide, it acknowledges that proving such a crime would require establishing intent among Israeli officials. The report cites statements from some senior Israeli officials that suggest a desire to “destroy Palestinians,” which could imply that the denial of water may amount to genocide.
Lama Fakih, HRW’s Middle East director, stated at a press conference, “What we have found is that the Israeli government is intentionally killing Palestinians in Gaza by denying them the water that they need to survive.”
Humanitarian Crisis Escalates Amid Ongoing Conflict
The report details how the Israeli government has halted water supplies to Gaza, cut off electricity, and restricted fuel, rendering local water and sanitation facilities inoperable. As a result, many Palestinians in Gaza are left with access to only a few liters of water per day, significantly below the 15-liter threshold necessary for survival.
Since the onset of the conflict, which began after Hamas fighters attacked Israeli communities, Israel’s military campaign has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 45,000 Palestinians and displaced a significant portion of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
International Scrutiny and Legal Implications
The HRW report follows a similar conclusion by Amnesty International, which also described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal. These reports come in the wake of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense chief, who face allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity—charges they deny.
The 1948 Genocide Convention defines genocide as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group,” raising critical questions about accountability and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
