Palestinian International Organization for Peace and Human Rights

March 22, 2025

On March 22, 2025, a human rights report was published addressing the use of water cuts and water deprivation as a tool of control within the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. This coincided with severe restrictions on basic supplies and services, resulting in difficulties in accessing safe water.

Humanitarian repercussions

The impact of water scarcity is not limited to drinking, but extends to food preparation, personal hygiene, and the operation of health facilities, and increases the likelihood of diseases in overcrowded displacement areas.

Rights and legal protection

The provision of safe drinking water is linked to the right to health and life, and there are obligations on parties to the conflict not to deprive the civilian population of materials indispensable to their survival.

Protection and monitoring methods

Maintaining water facilities and the energy supplies needed to operate them, and allowing access to repair and sterilization materials, are essential steps to reduce health risks.

Featured image: Illustrative archive image and does not document the event. Access to water in Gaza. Photo: UNRWA, License CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO — Image source.