Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide and extermination by denying Palestinians in Gaza access to clean water. The report states that the deprivation of water is part of a mass killing of Palestinian civilians and constitutes a crime against humanity. Israel has rejected the accusation, claiming it has respected international law and has the right to defend itself. The report also highlights that proving the crime of genocide would require establishing intent, but cites statements by Israeli officials suggesting a desire to destroy Palestinians. This is the second major rights group in a month to use the term 'genocide' to describe Israel's actions in Gaza.