More than 700 Palestinians, most of them children, have been killed by Israeli forces while trying to collect water in Gaza since October 2023, international media reported quoting Gaza authorities as saying on Monday.
According to the statement, the Israeli army has carried out 112 attacks on people gathering water, resulting in hundreds of deaths. On Sunday alone, at least 12 people — including eight children — were killed in the Nuseirat refugee camp while waiting to collect water.
Gaza’s government media office accused Israel of waging a deliberate “war of thirst” against the people of Gaza, calling it a clear violation of international and humanitarian laws.
The office also said that Israeli forces have destroyed more than 720 water wells, cutting off access to clean water for around 1.25 million Palestinians.
Additionally, Israel has reportedly blocked the monthly entry of 12 million liters of fuel — the amount needed to keep water wells, sewage systems, and other basic services running. This has caused major disruptions in sanitation and water supplies, leading to the spread of disease, especially among children.
The media office urged the international community and human rights groups to take urgent steps to stop Israel from using water as a weapon and to ensure fuel and equipment are allowed in to restore essential services.
Since March 2, Israel has kept border crossings closed, stopping food, medicine, and aid from entering Gaza. This has worsened the already dire humanitarian crisis, leaving 2.4 million residents facing famine and disease.
Despite global pressure, Israel has continued its military campaign in Gaza since October 7, 2023, which has so far killed over 58,000 people — mostly women and children — and devastated much of the enclave.
The International Criminal Court last year issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
