Mekorot’s Water Cutbacks to Palestinians

The article presents a historical context for Israeli control of Palestinian water as well as its impact on people’s daily lives. Three videos are included.

Mekorot’s annual summer cutbacks to Palestinian communities is just one of the many reasons for the permanent water crisis in the West Bank. Other factors include the transfer of control over joint water resources to Israel, the inequitable distribution of usage rights in these joint resources, obstacles Israel places in the way of developing Palestinian water infrastructure, demolition and confiscation of existing infrastructure, restrictions on or denial of access to local natural water sources such as springs, wells and rainwater cisterns, and a consistent preference given to settlers when water is supplied.

Water Crisis: Summer 2016 - Israel cut back on the already inadequate water supply to Palestinians

Destruction of People’s Livelihoods

Destruction of People's Livelihoods.

Water is life.

“Israeli forces demolished water wells in the southern occupied West Bank district of Hebron on Tuesday morning, municipal sources said.

An official from the municipality of Sair told Ma’an that Israeli troops demolished four wells in agricultural lands in the Jurat al-Kheil area east of Sair used for sheep to drink and to irrigate crops.

The wells reportedly belonged to Ziyad Mahmoud Shalalda, Ahmad Muhammad Shalalda, Ibrahim Muhammad Shalalda, and Nabil Shihada Shalalda.

The municipality official added that Israeli forces leveled lands in the area as well.”

Israeli forces demolish water cisterns in Hebron-area village

Palestinians and Native Americans: Similar Struggles & Solidarity →

The Native American Water Protectors and Palestinians share deep concern for water.

"The Dakota Nation is justifiably alarmed by the prospect that its water supplies will be polluted by the massive pipeline, which will extend across four states and stretching over 1,100 miles."

The Native American and the Palestinian: A Spirited Fight for Justice

Pushback at Israeli Water Conference in Venice

Huge outcry directed at the European Commission urging them to withdraw from patronage—lending the EC’s name to the event-- from Watec, the Israeli water conference.  

“Nearly 40 European trade unions, water and human rights networks and environmental groups from a dozen countries have written a letter to the European Commission urging withdrawal of patronage from Watec, the Israeli water conference and exhibition to be held for the first time in Europe, September 21-23 in Venice, Italy.”

Trade Unions, Water Movements Urge European Commission to Withdraw Patronage from Israeli Water Conference     Also, here is a letter from the Palestinian agricultural and environmental groups to the Italians farmer's network about Coldirett, one of the sponsors of the conference.