The supply of water to any area or country is becoming a crucial issue as climate changes are seen around the world. Palestinians are feeling the brunt of Israel’s previous decisions about water and the continuing effects of those policies. (George Ikners ikners.com Joomla)
There seems little doubt that there are large areas of Palestine where the Israelis are sourcing water.
One of the major aquifers is in the West Bank and despite international recognition that Israel is there illegally Israel continues to take water from that area. In fact in 1982 Israel sold all the water in Gaza to an Israeli concern for a token payment of 1 Shekel or 40 US cents.
This information and much more can be seen on a video at link. However, in case you feel that what is being put is anti Israeli propaganda then it may be wise to consider some of the views expressed and the sources of those views.
There is a representative from a group who are concerned with the supply of water. His name is Taysir Arabasi. Among other claims he makes is that the settlers’ dogs effectively have better access to water than the Palestinians.
From other sources appears that the Palestinians have access to 90 litres per day. Israelis have access to 284 litres per day. The world Health Organisation says that the minimum requirement is 137 litres per day. To that there is also the claim that Palestinian supplies are often interrupted and the Palestinians are not able to get permits to dig for water. A substantial claim is made that water in Palestine has to be boiled before being consumed.
But perhaps the major point made is in a report by the world Bank that is highly critical of the Israeli position. The Israelis counter to say that the report was biased and did not consider the material that put Israel’s position.
The world Bank did not let the matter lie there and then published a reply that effectively says that the information received was unauthored and in draft form only. And came with a disclaimer, in that it did not represent the views of a relevant body in Israel.
No matter what your views are on the Israel/Palestine position the video and the comments are well worth watching.
George Ikners ikners.com Joomla