Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing “acts of genocide” in Gaza by destroying water infrastructure and cutting off supplies to civilians. In a report, HRW said these actions have likely caused thousands of deaths and could lead to more. The organization urged the international community to impose sanctions on Israel.

The report focused on deliberate actions by Israel since October 2023, such as blocking access to water, damaging water facilities, and preventing the import of repair materials.

It stated that these actions were “calculated to bring about physical destruction” of Palestinians in Gaza. HRW described this as extermination, a war crime, and an act of genocide.

Israel rejected the report, calling it “full of lies.” It denied targeting civilians and said it provides aid to Gaza.

However, HRW detailed cases of Israeli forces destroying water treatment plants, reservoirs, and solar panels, cutting electricity, attacking repair workers, and blocking fuel deliveries.

HRW’s Saroop Ijaz said Israel’s actions were deliberate and aimed at physical destruction, which qualifies as genocide. He also criticized countries supporting Israel with arms and called for sanctions and accountability to prevent further atrocities.

This is the second time a major rights group has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, following a report by Amnesty International. Doctors without Borders also released a report highlighting “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza.

HRW stopped short of directly labeling Israel’s actions as genocide, stating that proving intent under international law is challenging.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is reviewing the case and may find evidence of genocidal intent based on Israel’s actions and statements, such as an October 2023 comment by then-defense minister Yoav Gallant declaring a “complete siege” of Gaza.

Israel denies the allegations and insists it does not target civilians, emphasizing its facilitation of aid to Gaza. However, HRW and other groups argue the actions amount to severe violations of international law.