Israel uses access to water as a weapon against Palestinians in Gaza, accuses MSF

Israel uses access to water as a weapon against the population of Gazadepriving residents of the essential resource within the scope of a “campaign of collective punishment”denounces a report from the organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) published this Tuesday (28).

Between the destruction of infrastructure and obstacles to supply, “the deliberate deprivation of water inflicted on Palestinians is an integral part of the genocide perpetrated by Israel“, says MSF in a statement published together with the report titled “Water as a weapon: Israel’s destruction and deprivation of water and sanitation in Gaza”.

As accusations of genocide in Gazawhich multiplied throughout the war, are vehemently rejected by Israel, which disputes Doctors Without Borders’ claims.

The report, based on MSF data and statements heard by the organization’s employees between 2024 and 2025, states that the exploitation of water by the Israeli authorities follows “a recurring, systematic and cumulative pattern”.

“Adds to the direct murders of civilians, the destruction of health facilities and the demolition of homes, causing mass displacement of the population. Together, these elements demonstrate the desire to impose destructive and inhumane living conditions on Palestinians in Gaza,” warns the NGO.

“The Israeli authorities know that without water life comes to a standstill. And yet, they have systematically and deliberately destroyed the water infrastructure in Gaza, while at the same time constantly blocking the entry of water-related equipment”, says Claire San Filippo, MSF’s emergencies director, quoted in the statement.

while Israel and the group exchange accusations about truce violations.

90% of infrastructure destroyed

The report reinforces that, according to data from the UN, the European Union and the World Bank, Israel destroyed or damaged almost 90% of water and sanitation infrastructure in Gazaincluding desalination plants, wells, pipes and sewage networks.

MSF teams documented Israeli Army fire on “clearly identified” water trucks, as well as the destruction of wells “that constituted a vital source for tens of thousands of people”.

“Palestinians have been injured and died when they simply tried to access water,” says San Filippo.

The shortage “is such that it is simply impossible to supply sufficient quantities to the population”, says MSF, which presents itself as the main producer and distributor of drinking water in Gaza after the local authorities.

In March 2026, the organization supplied more than 5.3 million liters of water per day, equivalent to the minimum needs of more than 407,000 people, that is, almost one in every five inhabitants.

“But the displacement orders imposed by the Israeli Army prevented MSF teams from accessing areas where they provided water to hundreds of thousands of people”, protests the NGO, which also condemns the obstacles imposed on the entry into Gaza, since October 2023, of essential material related to water and sanitation.

Spread of diseases

A third of the NGO’s requests to transport desalination units, pumps, chlorine and other products for water treatment, reservoirs, insect repellents or latrines “were rejected or went unanswered”.

As The consequences are “considerable for the health, hygiene and dignity of populations, particularly women and people with disabilities”, warns MSF.

“Without toilets, people are forced to dig holes in the sand, which overflow and contaminate the environment and groundwater,” reports the organization.

Lack of access to water and hygiene, combined with undignified living conditions — overcrowded tents, makeshift shelters — favors the spread of diseases, in particular respiratory infections, skin diseases and diarrheal diseases.

MSF calls on Israeli authorities to immediately restore access to water “at sufficient levels” for the inhabitants of Gaza. It also asks the country’s allies to “press to obtain the removal of obstacles to humanitarian aid”.

*AFP