NEW YORK — On Thursday, Human Rights Watch asserted that Israel has been responsible for the deaths of thousands of Palestinians through a systematic campaign to restrict and target Gaza’s water supply, declaring these actions as “acts of genocide.”

This organization joins a growing chorus of critics who are accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israel vehemently disputes these claims, asserting that its military actions focus on Hamas militants rather than the civilian population in Gaza.

In its recent report, HRW claimed that numerous infants, children, and adults have succumbed to malnutrition, dehydration, and disease due to Israeli measures over more than twelve months of conflict, aimed specifically at reducing the water and electricity supply to Gaza, dismantling infrastructure, and obstructing vital aid.

The group stated, “As a state policy, these acts constitute a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population. Israeli officials are therefore committing the crime against humanity of extermination.” The report pointed out a “pattern of conduct” by Israeli officials, suggesting a possible genocidal intent, though HRW stopped short of making an absolute determination. Proving intent is critical under international law to establish whether genocide has occurred.

Founded as a haven for Jews following the Holocaust, Israel categorically denies the accusations of genocide, holding Hamas responsible for the devastation wrought in Gaza by operating from civilian locales such as schools, hospitals, and residential areas. The October 2023 Hamas assault, which has been described as the most lethal attack on Jews since the Holocaust, is characterized by Israel as an act of genocide.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized Human Rights Watch, stating that the organization is perpetuating “blood libels” to promote anti-Israel narratives. They maintain that Israel has endeavored to ensure water flow and humanitarian assistance into Gaza throughout the conflict, emphasizing their commitment to complying with international laws regarding aid.

HRW’s report detailed what it interpreted as a prolonged and systematic effort by Israeli authorities to deprive Palestinians in Gaza of their water supply. The water availability in Gaza plummeted from around 83 liters (21 gallons) per person daily prior to the conflict to between two and nine liters in recent months, according to the rights organization.

The World Health Organization indicates that individuals need between 50 to 100 liters daily to fulfill basic needs and stave off illness.

Moreover, Human Rights Watch asserted that Israeli forces intentionally dismantled the solar panels powering four out of six wastewater treatment facilities in Gaza and destroyed a significant water reservoir. It was alleged that electricity, essential for desalination plants and other critical infrastructures, was also cut off, along with restrictions on fuel for backup generators.

HRW claimed that its findings stem from interviews with over 60 Palestinians, discussions with utility personnel, healthcare practitioners, and aid workers, as well as analyses of satellite images, photographs, and videos.

Health professionals reportedly informed Human Rights Watch of numerous instances where infants, children, and adults perished due to a mix of malnutrition, dehydration, and disease.

In its rebuttal, the Israeli Foreign Ministry countered that it has maintained the functionality of four water pipelines in addition to desalination facilities and continues to allow international agencies to deliver water via tankers.

The Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023, reportedly resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel, predominantly among civilians, and 250 individuals were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel’s ongoing military operations have claimed the lives of more than 45,000 Palestinians, including a substantial number of women and children, according to local health authorities who do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The extensive offensive has led to widespread devastation and displaced around 90% of Gaza’s inhabitants, plunging the region into a dire humanitarian crisis, as per U.N. projections.

International organizations and U.N. agencies have observed that Israel has repeatedly restricted the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, providing minimal security for the delivery of necessities. They emphasize that only a small fraction of the required aid is reaching the Palestinian populace, with reports of lawlessness in the region leading to armed groups stealing aid shipments.

The HRW report emerged just two weeks after Amnesty International accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel dismissed these claims, labeling them as “entirely false and based on lies.” The country has previously countered allegations from South Africa in the International Court of Justice regarding inhumane actions by its armed forces in the contested territory. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court is pursuing arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes.