HRW Accuses Israel of Genocide Over Gaza Water Deprivation; Israel Denies 'Blood Libel'

Dec 19, 2024, 11:31 AM

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of committing "acts of genocide" in the Gaza Strip by deliberately depriving Palestinian civilians of access to clean water, leading to thousands of deaths. In a new 179-page report released on Thursday, the New York-based organization alleged that Israeli authorities have intentionally destroyed water infrastructure and imposed severe restrictions on water supplies in Gaza, a policy it says amounts to the crime against humanity of extermination. Human Rights Watch called for targeted sanctions to be imposed on Israel. Israel has vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as "appalling lies" and "blood libel." Israeli officials contend that the actions taken are necessary for security reasons and that Hamas militants are responsible for damage to infrastructure. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also released a report accusing Israel of "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza, citing attacks on health facilities, humanitarian convoys, and severe restrictions on aid. MSF called for an immediate ceasefire to save lives and highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave. The reports have drawn widespread international attention, with various media outlets covering the accusations and Israel's response.