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Israel’s water policies are draining Palestine
In the arid landscape of the Middle East, water is more than a necessity; it’s a lifeline. For Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, this lifeline is being squeezed tighter every day. The disparity in water access between Israelis and Palestinians is stark, leading to severe hardships and raising serious ethical and legal questions.
Water Wars
Israel controls around 80% of the water resources in the West Bank, a control solidified by the 1995 Oslo II Accord. While this agreement was supposed to be temporary, it’s still in place nearly three decades later, giving Israel extensive control over water distribution. Palestinians often find themselves at the mercy of the Israeli Water Company Mekorot, which sells them water at higher rates. This creates an economic burden, especially during the scorching summer months when demand peaks.
The numbers tell a harsh story: the average Israeli consumes between 350 liters of water per day, while the average Palestinian makes do with only 60–100 liters. This disparity is not just about access to water, but also about the quality of life and economic stability. Many Palestinians are forced to buy additional water from private tankers, further straining their finances.
