Water Weaponization in International Law: Case Study of Gaza Crisis (2023-2024)

Document Type : Academicm and Research

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Humanities, Shahed University

2 Ph. D Stu. in public international law

10.22091/csiw.2025.12051.2620

Abstract

The inherent scarcity of freshwater resources worldwide and the vital importance of access to water for life, survival, and societal stability make it a potential tool for achieving political objectives in certain cases. This phenomenon, referred to as the water weaponization, is particularly prevalent during armed conflicts. In the ongoing Gaza war, which began in October 2023, Israel has been using water as a weapon and a tool of warfare to advance its political and military objectives. Therefore, this paper seeks to address the question: What is the legal status of water weaponization in Gaza under international law? Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach and library-based research, this study concludes that the weaponization of water during armed conflicts is inconsistent with states' obligations under fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, humane treatment, and the prohibition of causing unnecessary suffering to civilians. It also contravenes related rules, such as the prohibition on starving civilian populations.

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Comparative Studies on Islamic and Western Law

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 July 2025

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