Israeli water policies violation of basic human rights, says a B'Tselem report

Date: 02 / 07 / 2008 Time: 11:00
Bethlehem – Ma'an –

According to a new study conducted by Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem, average water consumption in Israel is 3.5 times that in the West Bank.

This discrepancy, the study says, will "have serious repercussions on the economy and the health of tens of thousands of Palestinians."

Already, according to the report released Tuesday, water consumption in parts of the West Bank is only one-third of what the World Health Organization (WHO) states as the minimum per capita usage. Since the past winter and spring saw little rainfall in the region, this summer's water shortage is expected to be severe.

Access to water is hampered by a number of factors. External problems stem from Israel's discriminatory distribution policy—according to B'Tselem testimonials during water shortages supplies are diverted to settlements—and the limited drilling that the Palestinian Authority is permitted. Internally, there has been water theft documented in parts of Area C (those territories that remain under full Israeli control) and Israeli authorities have been unable to apprehend or stem the Palestinian thefts.

The B'Tselem report calls Israeli water policies "a violation of its obligations under International Humanitarian Law." The organization calls on the government of Israel "to ensure immediate, regular, adequate supply of water to every resident of the West Bank without discrimination, and to allow the Palestinian Authority to develop new water sources."

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