Gaza: A United Nations rapporteur has starkly criticized Israel's restriction of drinking water to the Gaza Strip, equating it to a 'silent but lethal bomb.' Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in a recent interview with Anadolu Agency.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Arrojo-Agudo emphasized that the 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing a dire water crisis, as nearly 70% of the enclave's water infrastructure has been destroyed by Israeli occupation forces. This has left the majority of the population with dangerously limited or contaminated access to water.
Arrojo-Agudo noted that Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on essentials such as food, water, and electricity since October 2023, exacerbating the crisis by denying fuel needed to operate desalination plants and wells. He accused Israel of using water as a weapon, not against military forces, but against civilians.
He further explained that Israel's actions have reduced per capita water access to a mere five liters a day, far below the 100 liters needed for a dignified life. Moreover, much of this limited water supply is undrinkable due to salinity and fecal contamination, leading to a surge in illnesses, especially among children.
Arrojo-Agudo cited UNICEF data showing a dramatic increase in cases of diarrhea among children under five, from 40,000 to over 70,000 in just one week in early December 2024. He warned of the escalating threat of epidemics like dysentery and cholera, along with rising kidney failure and dehydration due to high salt levels in the water.
The crisis extends beyond potable water, affecting sanitation services and increasing disease risks. Even before the recent conflict, Gaza's blockade had severely restricted the import of materials necessary for wastewater treatment. The ongoing war has further devastated these facilities, leading to raw wastewater contaminating remaining water reserves.
Arrojo-Agudo highlighted the intentional nature of the destruction, noting that Israeli leaders publicly vowed to cut off essentials to Gaza. He also pointed to similar tactics in the West Bank, where Israel controls a vast majority of water resources and has diverted the Jordan River's flow away from Palestinian access.
He described the current assault on Gaza as unprecedented in its impact on civilians, likening the region to a 'huge prison' and warning of its historical implications as a humanitarian disaster without precedent.
Arrojo-Agudo called for an immediate ceasefire, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and the end of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. He urged the international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.
