Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of acts of genocide in Gaza over water access

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of committing "acts of genocide" in Gaza by intentionally depriving Palestinian civilians of sufficient water access. The organization claims that Israel's actions include delibrately damaging water and sanitation infrastructure , which has likely resulted in thousands of deaths. They argue that this amounts to "committing the crime against humanity of extermination". Israel has dismissed HRW's as "propaganda."

The Israel foreign ministry's spolesperson accused Human Rights (HRW) of spreading falsehoods, stating that their claims were completely untrue. HRW's 179 page report alleges that since October 2023, Israel authorities have intentionally obstructed Plaestinian access to necessary water in Gaza by damaging infrastructure, cutting electricity, and blocking repair materials. HRW's executive director , Tirana Hassan , described deprivation policy leading to thousands of deaths from dehydration and disease, constituting crimes against humanity and genocide.

The HRW report adds to ongoing accusations against Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The International Court of Justice(ICJ) is also examining a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide. Israel denies these allegations, asserting that its actions are directed against Hamas, not civilians , and attributes such claims to antisemitism.