The Israeli army's recent detonation of a drinking water reservoir in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, has been categorically condemned by UN Human Rights Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence.

Laurence emphasized that such actions are prohibited under international humanitarian law, which strictly forbids attacks on facilities essential for the survival of civilian populations, including water resources.

In a press statement, Laurence highlighted Israel's documented failure to ensure accountability for violations of international law. He stressed the necessity of finding international solutions to address Israel's long-standing accountability gap.

A video circulating online depicts Israeli soldiers detonating and destroying the water reservoir for Palestinians in Rafah. This act is part of a broader pattern of destruction, with occupation forces reportedly targeting water networks, wells, and desalination plants across the Gaza Strip, exacerbating a severe water crisis. The ongoing lack of fuel further hampers the operation of the remaining desalination plants.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel's aggression on the Gaza Strip, conducted by land, air, and sea, has resulted in the deaths of 39,363 citizens, predominantly children and women, and injured 90,923 others. Thousands of victims remain trapped under rubble or are scattered on roads, as ambulance and civil defense crews face significant challenges in reaching them.

Laurence's statement calls attention to the urgent need for the international community to address these violations and ensure the protection of civilian infrastructure in conflict zones. (ILKHA)