Author: Aisha Noor
December 23, 2024
HRRC once again urgently calls for a ceasefire with humanitarian assistance, and deeply denounces the continued conflict and genocide in Gaza.
News Brief
The current war in Gaza has reached a disastrous level whereby Israeli authorities have denied Palestinians basic human rights such as access to clean, safe water. Since October 2023, intentional attacks on water and sanitation infrastructure have been carried out, and blockades have prevented crucial humanitarian aid from reaching the millions of Palestinians. The majority of the international community have condemned these actions as crimes against humanity and genocide.
During the ongoing siege of Gaza, Israeli forces have specifically targeted sources of clean water and water sanitation facilities for extended periods of time. Entire districts have gone without potable water for months, and the basic infrastructure for water treatment has been sabotaged, left to crumble because of no electricity or fuel needed to run the facilities. In fact, there is photographic evidence showing the destruction of water and sewage treatment facilities, as well as electric power and communication systems in Gaza. Residents have been forced to live in unsafe and unclean environments, increasing the cases of water borne diseases, malnutrition and dehydration. The groups most affected by the lack of clean water include youth, the elderly, and differently abled persons.
The recent, deliberate attacks on critical infrastructure has further solidified the fact that Israel is committing genocide. In accordance with the provisions of international law, acts of extermination include the intentional the purposeful withdrawal of necessities of life, including water. The actions of Israeli forces are blatant acts of extermination, confirming its genocidal campaign against the Palestinian population. In response, the international community must work to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Foreign governments and the United Nations must intervene not only to end the violence and genocide, but to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian assistance such as water, food and medical care. If there is no ceasefire, more human rights abuses will certainly occur.
In the light of this ongoing human tragedy, there is also a need for accountability and justice. The crimes being committed in Gaza cannot be solved locally, and the people who are causing the suffering and deaths of thousands of innocent victims must be tried under international human rights law. As stated on last week, the time has come to end the suffering and to spare the lives of those in Gaza from further devastation.
Glossary
Abate: To reduce or lessen in intensity or severity.
Blockade Provisions: Measures taken to restrict or block the flow of goods or services into a region.
Ceasefire: A temporary halt to fighting or conflict.
Crimes Against Humanity: Severe violations of human rights, such as genocide or torture, committed deliberately.
Deprivation: The lack or removal of something essential, like food or resources.
Denounces: Publicly condemns or criticizes.
Extermination: The complete destruction or killing of something, often on a large scale.
Genocide: Refers to certain acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
Inalienable Human Right: A fundamental right that cannot be taken away or transferred.
Malnutrition and Dehydration: Lack of adequate food and water, leading to severe health problems.
Obliteration: Total destruction or wiping out of something.
Repercussions: Negative consequences or effects following an event or action.
Sanitation Infrastructure: Systems and facilities designed to provide clean water and proper waste disposal.
Sabotaged: Deliberately damaged or destroyed to hinder progress.
Scarcity: A shortage or lack of resources.
Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses spread through contaminated water.
Sources