COGAT says MSF 'lost moral direction' after NGO's claim that Israel is 'using water as a weapon'

The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has strongly refuted claims made by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) that Israel is employing "water as a weapon of collective punishment" against Palestinians in Gaza. COGAT described MSF's statement as a "desperate attempt to regain legitimacy after losing its professional and moral direction."

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MSF’s claims are a desperate attempt to regain legitimacy after losing its professional and moral direction.

MSF's report alleged that Israeli authorities have destroyed or damaged a significant portion of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure, leading to injuries and deaths among Palestinians attempting to access water. The organization demanded that Israel immediately restore water supplies to Gaza to required levels. MSF also cited data from international bodies to support its claims regarding infrastructure damage.

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The only party weaponizing humanitarian aid is Hamas. It is disappointing, though not surprising, that an organization like MSF, which refuses to even designate Hamas as a terror group, continues to echo its propaganda.

Conversely, COGAT asserted that it consistently supplies water to Gaza, exceeding humanitarian thresholds, with over 70,000 cubic meters facilitated daily. The agency detailed its efforts in coordinating water line activations, repairs, and fuel deliveries for WASH infrastructure in collaboration with UN, UNICEF, and the ICRC. COGAT also accused Hamas of weaponizing humanitarian aid and expressed disappointment that MSF does not designate Hamas as a terror group.

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Palestinians have been injured and killed while trying to access water, and the deprivation of water has far-reaching consequences for their health, hygiene, and dignity.

COGAT further criticized MSF's operational delays, attributing them to the organization's refusal to follow standard registration protocols and its alleged history of employing individuals linked to terror. The agency maintains that the claims made by MSF are factually incorrect and part of a broader effort to echo Hamas propaganda.

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well over 70,000 cubic meters of water are facilitated daily.