Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing “acts of genocide” in Gaza by destroying water infrastructure and cutting off supplies to civilians. In a report, HRW said these actions have likely caused thousands of deaths and could lead to more. The organization urged the international community to impose sanctions on Israel.
The report focused on deliberate actions by Israel since October 2023, such as blocking access to water, damaging water facilities, and preventing the import of repair materials.
It stated that these actions were “calculated to bring about physical destruction” of Palestinians in Gaza. HRW described this as extermination, a war crime, and an act of genocide.
Israel rejected the report, calling it “full of lies.” It denied targeting civilians and said it provides aid to Gaza.
However, HRW detailed cases of Israeli forces destroying water treatment plants, reservoirs, and solar panels, cutting electricity, attacking repair workers, and blocking fuel deliveries.
HRW’s Saroop Ijaz said Israel’s actions were deliberate and aimed at physical destruction, which qualifies as genocide. He also criticized countries supporting Israel with arms and called for sanctions and accountability to prevent further atrocities.
