‘Calculated policy of deprivation’: Israel is committing an ‘act of genocide’ in Gaza, says Human Rights Watch

For much of the past year, human rights watchdogs have described Israel’s actions in Gaza as collective punishment, war crimes, and human rights violations, but not necessarily “genocide” — defined as the deliberate destruction of an entire people, and carrying greater weight than genocide. And perhaps any other crime. Now, a The Human Rights Watch report is 179 pages long He accuses Israel of doing this, which echoes what happened recently Amnesty International report In explicitly describing the Israeli campaign as genocide against the Palestinians.

While the report details a series of alleged crimes that could be classified as acts of genocide, including the mass killing of 45,000 civilians with weapons of war, Human Rights Watch specifically singled out the water cuts to Gaza. The report said that this measure is further evidence that “the Israeli authorities deliberately imposed living conditions aimed at destroying part of the population in Gaza” and caused “thousands of deaths.”

The report concluded that, throughout the invasion, Israeli forces restricted the flow of piped water, deliberately destroyed water and sanitation infrastructure, and prevented attempts by relief groups to transport water to Gaza. In doing so, the report continued, Israel was directly responsible for outbreaks of disease and deaths related to waterborne diseases, drought, and famine — a disaster exacerbated by Israel’s repression. Simultaneous destruction From hospitals and killing Of doctors and medical staff.

“This is not just negligence; “It is a calculated policy of deprivation that has led to thousands of deaths from drought and disease, and is nothing less than a crime against humanity and an act of genocide,” Tirana Hassan, executive director of Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

To assist in its investigations, Human Rights Watch researchers analyzed satellite imagery, photos, videos, and a range of data captured since October 2023, while interviewing more than 100 water utility officials, medical professionals, international aid workers, and Palestinian civilians. The group also compiled statements by Israeli officials, including calls to exterminate Palestinians and “erase” Gaza, as evidence of genocidal intent.

Human Rights Watch said the current genocide was not a sudden act of malice but “part of a continuation.” Crimes against humanity of apartheid And the persecution committed by the Israeli authorities against the Palestinians” in both Gaza and the West Bank.

President Joe Biden considered imposing sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers for encouraging violence in the West Bank, but in the end I decided against it this week. And its management as well Continues sending Billions of dollars worth of arms to Israel, despite calls from Human Rights Watch and other organizations for governments to “end the threat of complicity in atrocity crimes in Gaza and take immediate action to protect civilians through an arms embargo, targeted sanctions, and upholding justice.” “.