The organization Doctors Without Borders said Tuesday that Israeli authorities are using access to water as a "weapon" of collective punishment against Palestinians in Gaza, calling for the immediate restoration of water supplies and unhindered humanitarian access.
In a new report, the MPF said that repeated restrictions on access to water are part of a "systematic and cumulative pattern."
“The Israeli authorities know that without water life ends, yet they have deliberately and systematically destroyed Gaza’s water infrastructure, while continuously blocking water-related supplies from entering,” said Claire San Filippo, emergency manager at the MPF.
According to the report, almost 90% of water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza has been damaged or destroyed, including desalination plants, pipelines and sewage systems.
"Palestinians have been injured and killed simply trying to obtain water," San Filippo said, warning that the lack of water is fueling the spread of diseases amid overcrowding and a collapsed health system.
The MPF said one in five of its water deliveries were interrupted between May and November 2025 due to shortages and access restrictions.
The organization called on Israel to restore access to water "to the necessary levels," while urging allies to pressure Israel to stop obstructing humanitarian access, including materials needed for water infrastructure.
"The consequences of this deprivation of access to water are far-reaching for people's health, hygiene and dignity," the report says.
