‘Israel’ is weaponizing water against Gaza – Report

A report by the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research examines the Israeli weaponization of water in Gaza, which was used to deprive the population of access to water during a period of global water scarcity.

The report explains how by November 2023, the Israeli government had begun to deny Palestinians in the Gaza Strip access to water. 

“Every hour that passes with Israel preventing the provision of safe drinking water in the Gaza strip, in brazen breach of international law, puts Gazans at risk of dying of thirst and diseases related to the lack of safe drinking water”, said Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation.

“Israel,” he noted, “must stop using water as a weapon of war.”

Before “Israel’s” latest assault on Gaza, an alarming 97 percent of the water in Gaza’s sole coastal aquifer had already surpassed World Health Organization safety standards for human consumption. Through repeated offensives, “Israel” has effectively dismantled Gaza’s water purification infrastructure and hindered the importation of essential materials and chemicals necessary for its restoration.

‘Water control to carry out genocide’ 

In early October 2023, Israeli officials suggested leveraging their control over Gaza’s water infrastructure as a means to carry out genocide. Israeli Major General Ghassan Alian, who leads the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), made this assertion on October 10th, “Those who act like savage beasts will face consequences.”

“Israel” has enforced a complete blockade on Gaza – No access to electricity or water, only devastation. If you seek chaos, it will be delivered.”

“Human beasts are dealt with accordingly. Israel has imposed a total blockade on Gaza – No electricity, no water, just damage. You wanted hell, you will get hell.” 

UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Palestine Jamie McGoldrick noted on March 19 that Gaza needed “spare parts for water and sanitation systems” as well as “chemicals to treat water,” since the “lack of these critical items is one of the key drivers of the malnutrition crisis.”

The recent attack on Gaza has exacerbated the already dire situation for its entire population, who are currently experiencing significant levels of acute food insecurity, as reported by Oxfam and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. This event underscores the stark contradictions faced by people worldwide.

In the ongoing Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli occupation has carried out four brutal massacres against families, resulting in the tragic loss of 46 lives and leaving 65 individuals wounded, based on the number of people that had been admitted to hospitals within the past 24 hours.

It is important to note that rescue efforts are being hindered as several victims remain trapped under rubble and obstructed roads, impeding the ability of ambulance and civil defense teams to reach them swiftly.

The relentless Israeli genocide in Gaza has led to a staggering toll of 33,137 martyrs and 75,815 injuries since the conflict erupted on October 7th of the previous year.