We are shocked to read about the critical situation in Gaza since Israel turned off water supplies to the Gaza Strip more than a week ago. Sanitation services have collapsed, including Gaza’s last functioning seawater desalination plant. With clean water running out (Report, 17 October), more than 2 million people are at risk and are resorting to drinking dirty water, with increasing risks of disease, dehydration and death.
Water is a basic human right, and denying this right violates international humanitarian law and the Geneva conventions, constituting a war crime, according to UN experts. The incessant bombing has also led to over a million people fleeing their homes, lacking access to water and food. Israel claims it has restored water to southern Gaza, and the opening of the Rafah crossing from Egypt for humanitarian assistance is significant, although 20 trucks is not much. However, without fuel and electricity, clean water cannot be pumped around Gaza.
We unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel. While Israel has a right to self-defence, the collective punishment now enforced on people in Gaza is leading to mass displacement, high numbers of deaths, and unprecedented suffering. This only intensifies the 75-year history of Israel’s oppression of Palestinians. We are equally dismayed that the UK, US and EU are seemingly complicit in their near complete silence on this issue, despite global recognition of water as a human right.
Western governments must call out Israel’s water war crime and call for a ceasefire to prevent the loss of more Israeli and Palestinian lives. We call on Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer, the EU and the US to focus on peace and diplomacy and the return of hostages, and building diplomatic channels rather than seeking only military responses.
Water in Gaza and the West Bank has long been under Israeli control due to the occupation. Recent developments have made it a weapon of war, and this must end immediately.
Prof Lyla Mehta
Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex,
Dr Alan Nicol
Researcher in international water policy
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