In a new extensive report, Amnesty International revealed the extent to which Israel’s discriminatory water policies and practices are denying Palestinians their right to access to water. Israel uses more than 80 percent of the water from the Mountain Aquifer, the main source of underground water and the OPT, while restricting Palestinian access to a mere 20 percent. The Mountain Aquifer is the only source for water for Palestinians. Some 180,000-200,00 Palestinians living in rural communities have no access to running water and the Israeli army often prevents them from even collecting rainwater. To cope with the water shortages and lack of network supplies many Palestinians have to purchase water, of often dubious quality, from mobile water tankers at a much higher price. Others resort to water saving measures which are detrimental to their and their families’ health and which hinder socio-economic development. Israel has also imposed a complex system of permits in order to carry out water related projects. Applications are often rejected or subject to long delays.
Title: Israel Rations Palestinians To Trickle Of Water
Source:Â Amnesty International Website, 27 October 2009
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/report/israel-rations-palestinians-trickle-water-20091027
Student Researcher: Ashley Housley
Faculty Evaluator: Andrew Roth
Sonoma State University