Doctors Without Borders speaks out about Israel's Use of Water....
There was not enough clean water during the temporary 'ceasefire' when humanitarian aid was entering the Gaza Strip. Now the supply has declined by 85 percent...
Israel Uses Water as ‘Tactic of War’ in Gaza – Doctors Without Borders
“Water is being used as “another tactic of war” in Gaza with Israel’s military assault on the enclave essentially blocking the population’s access to water by cutting off electricity and fuel, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned.
These resources are essential to operate desalination plants, water pumps, and other infrastructure, the humanitarian body said in a statement on Tuesday.
“For those who have endured relentless bombings, the suffering is made worse by a water crisis—many are forced to drink unsafe water, while others don’t have enough,” stated Paula Navarro, water and sanitation coordinator for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Gaza.”
Displaced Palestinian children fetching water in southern Gaza. (Photo: Mahmoud Ajjour, The Palestine Chronicle)
Note to Correspondents: on Gaza
Note to Correspondents: on Gaza
24 March 2025
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
In the past week, Israel carried out devastating strikes on Gaza, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians, including United Nations personnel, with no humanitarian aid being allowed to enter the Strip since early March.
As a result, the Secretary-General has taken the difficult decision to reduce the Organization’s footprint in Gaza, even as humanitarian needs soar and our concern over the protection of civilians intensifies.
The UN is not leaving Gaza. The Organization remains committed to continuing to provide aid that civilians depend on for their survival and protection.
More than three weeks ago, the Israeli Government cut off the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza – the longest such suspension since 7 October 2023.
Israeli officials have indicated that they intend to continue their military activities in Gaza.
Based on the information currently available, the strikes hitting a UN compound in Deir Al Balah on 19 March were caused by an Israeli tank. The strikes claimed the life of a UN colleague from Bulgaria and left six others – from France, Moldova, North Macedonia, Palestine and the United Kingdom – with severe injuries, some of them life-altering.
The location of this UN compound was well known to the parties to the conflict. I reiterate that all parties to the conflict are bound by international law to protect the absolute inviolability of UN premises. Without this, our colleagues face intolerable risks as they work to save the lives of civilians.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns these strikes and demands a full, thorough and independent investigation on this incident.
All parties must comply fully with international law at all times. Civilians must be respected and protected. The denial of lifesaving aid must end. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.
All States must use all their leverage to stop the conflict and ensure respect for international law – by applying diplomatic and economic pressure and combating impunity.
The Secretary-General renews his urgent call for the restoration of the ceasefire to bring an end to the anguish.
