Days before an international conference, Amira Hass presents “H2Occupation: Israeli control and commodification of Palestinian water resources.”

Amira Hass ~ Italian Forum of Water Movement's presentation, H2Occupation: Israeli control and commodification of Palestinian water resources. (photo: Cinzia Di Napoli) 

A large coalition of organizations recently called out Watec, the Israeli water technology conference and exhibition, that was held in Venice in late September. (This comprehensive article deserves to be read!)

Dozens of European trade unions and water movements called on the European Commission (EC) to withdraw patronage from Watec due to participation of companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements. The letter (pdf) noted the EC patronage came “at a time when Israel is cutting off water to Palestinian communities, leaving tens of thousands without access to water during the hottest time of the year.”

Italian-Israeli water conference is showcase for international law violations

Illegal, immoral, and devastating

Another weapon waged against Palestinians:

“The industrial refuse from Israeli factories and the wastewater from the neighboring settlements have increased. Our crops are unsafe to eat and our livestock are threatened. Children are suffering from skin and stomach illnesses. The smell is foul and we have a problem with insects. Most of the dumping of waste is deliberate,” locals complained.

Settlers pump wastewater into Salfit’s olive fields

John Kerry: Investigate Israel's Role in Gaza's Water Crisis

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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