According to a recent report by the humanitarian organization Oxfam has brought to light severe allegations against Israel's handling of water resources in Gaza, describing it as a deliberate strategy to undermine Palestinian life and rights. The report asserts that the Israeli government's actions constitute a grave violation of international law and demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life.
The Oxfam report, titled "Drowning in Despair: Water Crisis in Gaza," reveals that since the 1993 Oslo Accords, Israel has been systematically depriving Palestinians in Gaza of essential water resources. The consequences of this policy are dire, with the report indicating that water supply in Gaza has plummeted by 94 percent, leaving residents with less than 5 liters of water per day—barely sufficient for one flush of a toilet. This amount is significantly below the minimum emergency standard recommended by international agencies.
According to Oxfam, the destruction of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure by the Israeli military has compounded the crisis. The report highlights that since October of last year, the Israeli bombardments have resulted in the obliteration of five water infrastructure sites every three days. Additionally, 70 percent of Gaza's sewage pumps and all sewage treatment plants have been severely damaged or destroyed, leading to a catastrophic breakdown in sanitation and exacerbating public health risks.
International experts on water and human rights have condemned these actions, arguing that the Israeli regime's tactics amount to the use of water as a weapon of war, contributing to what some are calling a form of environmental and humanitarian genocide. The destruction of critical infrastructure not only endangers lives but also undermines the basic human right to clean water and adequate sanitation.
The report calls for immediate international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis and to hold those responsible accountable. It also urges a reevaluation of current policies to ensure that humanitarian needs are met and that the international community acts to protect vulnerable populations from further harm.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, Oxfam and other humanitarian organizations are calling for a coordinated global response to mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict and to address the severe shortages of water and sanitation services in the region.
