Water Consumption, Israeli Settlers vs. Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

March 22, 2014
Water Consumption, Israeli Settlers vs. Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

In the West Bank, Israel severely restricts Palestinian access to water by diverting water sources from Palestinian communities to Israeli settlements and plantations. Palestinians are also forbidden from digging wells without permits, which are rarely granted. Furthermore, pumping from permitted wells is limited to shallow water, resulting in higher rates of contamination.

In Gaza, up to 95% of water is estimated to be unfit for human consumption. Israel destroyed many plants and water utilities during Operation Cast Lead and water from Gaza’s aquifer is saline due to over-abstraction and polluted due to sewage infiltration. 

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