Russia and Israel lead global surge in attacks on civilian water supplies

Exclusive: at least 228 water conflicts were recorded in 2022 - an 87% rise on the year before, Pacific Institute database shows

• Peter Gleick: As water becomes a weapon of war, we must focus on cooperation and peace

Water-related violence surged to an all-time high in 2022 - driven in large part by Russia's war in Ukraine and Israeli attacks against Palestinian water resources in the West Bank.

At least 228 water conflicts were documented in 2022 - an 87% rise since 2021, according to research by the Pacific Institute shared exclusively with the Guardian.