Water in Israel / PA-Gaza
500 words on the water problem between Israel and the Palestinians
Israel is often accused of “stealing” water from the Palestinians, a false and malicious accusation. There are those who assume that Israel should “ensure that all Palestinian water pipes are always full” because it is a humanitarian debt or because they have not read the Oslo Accords.
The water division arrangement between Israel and the Palestinians was established in the Oslo B Agreement of September 1995, in Article 40 of the Civil Issues Protocols (Annex 3), which states that Israel will use 80% of the water from the mountain aquifer and the Palestinians another 20%, the Palestinians would continue to draw 118 million cubic meters in the west from already prepared sites and would use new wells in the east of the mountain to get another 70-80 million per year. Today, instead of 118 million cubic meters, they draw 87 million. Why? Because their machines are old and their professional dedication is amateurish.
According to the Oslo B Agreements, the Palestinian Authority established the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) so that from that moment on all water issues were in Palestinian hands.
In Oslo B, (1995) it was established that Gaza would be a separate entity and, apart from a small amount of water to be sold to it by Israel (today 7% of its expenditure), the PPA in Gaza was to manage its water using the coastal aquifer. The Gazans were not going to help themselves with pipes from the West Bank, but were to be autonomous, because technically they could.
In the West Bank, most Palestinian residents and businesses in the West Bank and Gaza do not pay the Palestinian Authority for the water they use, either in their homes or in their fields. On top of that, they suffer seepage and water loss at 33% of the expense.
Gaza’s natural aquifer is capable of regenerating 85 million cubic meters per year. Total water consumption in the Strip stands at 150 million cubic meters… an extreme over-consumption. This, together with sewage seeping into the ground and lack of maintenance of structures leads to serious contamination and salt pollution of Gaza’s aquifer. To that, add the war provoked by Hamas itself from Gaza. Only a very disturbed person can accuse Israel of Palestinian slovenliness. Water is another weapon to demonize Israel.
In June 2016 Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said, “When there is not enough water in Gaza, the aquifers get polluted and when the aquifers get polluted, this is not limited to the Gaza side of the aquifer. Therefore, it is very much in Israel’s interest to deal with the water problem in the Gaza Strip.”
The current humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a product of the failed governance of the Hamas leadership and its lack of cooperation with the Palestinian Authority (PA), the restrictions imposed by the Israeli blockade, and Gaza’s over-reliance on the donor community.
What is Israel's capacity in water care and protection issues?
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
The earth is composed of water, 97% of which is salty. We can only drink 3% of it. Many countries suffer from lack of water, especially in the Middle East. In Sudan 12.3 million people live without water and in Ethiopia 2.7 million. According to Nature, about 80% of the world’s population lives under water scarcity threat. Israel is another country with very few water resources. Multiple media campaigns explain (still today) to Israelis that the country is “drying up”, provoking a responsible attitude among children and adults. Israel decided to become a world water desalination power.
Summary:
Many countries suffer from lack of water, especially in the Middle East. Israel is another country with very few water resources. Multiple media campaigns explain (still today) to the Israeli that the country was “drying up” provoking a responsible attitude among children and adults.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
Annually, Israel needs 1.2 billion cubic liters of water for agriculture (irrigation). It requires another 800 million for domestic use (2000 million). Of this 800 million, 38% goes to the toilet, 32% for bathing, 12% for dishwashers, 10% for washing machines, 5% for drinking and 3% for bathroom sinks. In addition, there are 150 million for industrial uses, 35 million for natural reserves and, finally, 130 million cubic liters that Israel gives to the Palestinians and the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan in the framework of the peace agreements. Total: about 2.4 billion for 9.3 million Israelis.
Summary:
Israel needs 1200 million cubic liters of water for agriculture, 800 for domestic use, 150 industries, 35 nature reserves and 130 million that Israel gives to Palestinians and Jordan under the peace agreements. About 2.4 billion for 9.3 million people.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
For years, Israel drew water from the Sea of Galilee (Kineret). Israel built in 1964 a National Aqueduct (Movil Artzi) to distribute water from there to the whole country. In 1964, the Palestinians created an organization that had, among other missions, to destroy the Movil Artzi (the Palestine Liberation Organization). The second source of water is the aquifers. One on the coast, from the Gaza Strip to Haifa, about 120 kilometers. The other, under the mountains in the center (Emek Jezreel to Beer-Sheva). Over-extraction of the aquifers may destroy this water source.
Summary:
For years, Israel drew water from the Sea of Galilee (Kineret). Israel built a National Aqueduct in 1964 to distribute water to the whole country. To destroy it, the Palestinians created the PLO. The second source of water is two aquifers: the coastal aquifer and the central aquifer.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
In the 1990s, the lack of water in Israel was distressing. Israel decided to massively desalinate water using reverse osmosis. They wanted to remove sodium from water from 3% of the Mediterranean Sea to a drinkable 0.05%. A single national authority was established to manage the water: Mekorot. Today, Israel has six desalination plants that produce 700 million cubic liters per year, almost the entire domestic consumption. Mekorot decided to stop drawing water from the Galilee Sea in order to fill it. The next wish is to open the dam so that the water will flow down the Jordan to the drying Dead Sea.
Summary:
Israel decided to massively desalinate water using reverse osmosis. Today, Israel has six desalination plants that produce 700 million cubic liters per year, almost the entire domestic consumption. The next step: opening the dam so that the water continues to flow into the drying Dead Sea.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
Israel has developed inventions to “produce” water such as the sensational Watergen, which extracts drinkable water from the air. This invention is indispensable for areas in crisis. For irrigation, Israel does something else: Dirty water is taken to reservoirs where it is processed and purified. The largest purification plant is in Rishon Letzion. Eighty percent of Israel’s “dirty” water is recycled and sent to the south of the country for agricultural irrigation. By way of comparison, the countries that follow Israel in purification are Singapore and Spain and they are at 30% of recycled water.
Summary:
Israel invented ways to “produce” water such as Watergen. For irrigation, Israel takes its dirty water to reservoirs where it is processed and purified. 80% of Israeli “dirty” water is recycled and sent to the south of the country for agricultural irrigation (Singapore and Spain 30%).
What do the Oslo B agreements state regarding the division of water between Israel and the Palestinians?
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
The order on the division of water between Israel and the Palestinians was established in Oslo B of September 1995, in Article 40 of the protocols on civil issues (Annex 3). It states that Israel will use 80% of the water from the mountain aquifer and the Palestinians another 20% (there are 9.3 million Israelis and maximum 2.5 million Palestinians in the West Bank), the Palestinians would continue to draw 118 million cubic meters from where water was already being drawn and would draw from new wells (another 70-80 million per year) from unused (existing) sources in the eastern mountain.
Summary:
The water division between Israel and the West Bank Palestinians was established in Oslo B 1995, article 40, annex 3). It states that Israel will use 80% of the water from the mountain aquifer and the Palestinians 20% (9.3 million Israelis and 2.5 million Palestinians).
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta con un tipo de tono
According to Oslo B (1995) the Palestinians could extract 118 million cubic meters per year from existing wells, but today they extract 87 million. Why? Because their machines are old and suffer from technical problems. They could, in addition, dig in the eastern mountain but did not deign to work for it (they could extract another 70-80 million cubic meters of water annually). The Palestinian Authority has money to pay thousands of officials and civil servants, it has money to spread hatred towards Jews from its TV…. But, securing water for its citizens.
Summary:
According to Oslo B (1995) the Palestinians could draw 118 million cubic meters of water from existing wells, but they draw 87 million because they do not acquire adequate machines. The Palestinian Authority is a sea of corruption. Securing water for its citizens is not its priority.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Based on the Oslo Accords, in 1995, the Palestinian Authority established the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA). From that moment on, all water-related matters passed into Palestinian hands. The “NGO Solidarity” report notes that, as early as 1995, water experts warned that if no action was taken, by the year 2000, the aquifer would be seriously damaged. Gaza’s drinking water comes from the coastal aquifer and rainwater. Illegal wells and over-pumping have been causing saline water to seep in. Anyway, “Solidarity” blames…. Israel?!!!
Summary:
The Palestinian Authority established the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) after the Oslo II agreements. A report by “NGO Solidarity” told Palestinians to take measures to stop drawing water from illegal wells not to over pump. Just in case, they blame Israel for this.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
According to the Oslo II Accords (1995) civilian issues where Palestinian people live are the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority. Both in the vaccination against Covid-19 and in the treatment and administration of water. Based on the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority established the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA). In 2007 the Islamist Hamas staged a coup d’état and seized power in Gaza. Since then, it maintains total control over water abstraction issues, de facto, in the Gaza Strip, not collaborating with Israel or the Palestinian Authority.
Summary:
In 2007, the Islamist Hamas staged a coup d’état and took power in Gaza. Since then, it maintains total control over water extraction issues, de facto, in the Gaza Strip, not collaborating with Israel or the Palestinian Authority.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Is Israel to blame for everything? What are you talking about? Israel is a water exporter. Israel supplies 60 million cubic meters of water every year to Jordan and sells 70 million cubic meters to the Palestinians. In the future, provided peace is achieved and cooperation is truly desired by the Palestinians, who are not currently seeking it, the State of Israel would be able to assist its neighbors in overcoming their water shortages. The State of Israel is a world superpower in terms of water technology, the Palestinians could benefit.
Summary:
Israel supplies 60 million cubic meters annually to Jordan and sells 70 million meters to the Palestinians. In the future, provided the cooperation is really desired by the Palestinians, the State of Israel would be able to assist its neighbors in the matter.
What is the real water problem in the Palestinian territories?
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Let’s see what the specialist Professor Jaim Gvirtzman (BESA Center) says. The Palestinians illegally drill into Israel’s water resources and discharge their sewage into the valleys and streams of central Israel. To make matters worse, they do not fix their pipes, have no water treatment plants and do not charge their citizens for the service. The Palestinian Authority is using water as a weapon against the State of Israel. The Palestinian Authority is not interested in practical solutions to solve the Palestinian people’s water shortage, but in perpetuating the shortage by trying to harm Israel.
Summary:
For specialist Professor Jaim Gvirtzman, the Palestinians illegally drill Israel’s water resources and dump their sewage into valleys and streams in central Israel. To make matters worse, they do not fix their pipes and do not charge their citizens for the service.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Amnesty International published in 2009 a report on the Palestinian water problem accusing Israel of “only allowing Palestinians access to a small part of the common water resources, most of which are located in the occupied West Bank”. These people did not take the trouble to read the Oslo Agreement on water issues which explains that, because it is an aquifer under the mountains, the Palestinians would draw water from the east of the mountains and Israel from the west. How serious is this report if it contradicts what was agreed?
Summary:
Amnesty International published (2009) a report against Israel, saying that it prohibited access to water for the Palestinians. These people did not take the trouble to read the Oslo Agreement where it clearly states where the Palestinians should get – and do not get – their water from.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Let’s look at another dirty little Palestinian secret: most residents and businesses in the West Bank and Gaza do not pay the Palestinian Authority for the water they use, either in their homes or in their fields. There are no water meters on pumping wells and no water meters at the entrance to most homes, making it impossible to measure the amount of money owed by individual consumers. This, of course, leads to widespread water wastage. People who do not pay for their water have no motivation to conserve it.
Summary:
Most residents in the West Bank-Gaza do not pay for the water they consume, in homes or fields. There are no water meters on pumping wells and there are no water meters in most homes, making it impossible to measure the amount of money owed.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Palestinians absolutely refuse to irrigate their agricultural fields with treated wastewater effluent. In comparison, more than half of the agricultural fields in Israel are irrigated with such water. For example, the Negev desert is irrigated mainly with treated wastewater. Irrigating Palestinian agricultural fields with recycled water instead of fresh water would free up large quantities of water for domestic use. This would greatly reduce water shortages in many places. Why don’t they do it? Because they should build and plan instead of focusing on destroying others (Israel).
Summary:
Palestinians refuse to irrigate their fields with treated sewage tributaries. By comparison, more than half of the agricultural fields in Israel are irrigated with such water. Why don’t they? Because they should build purification plants. For that there is no $, they say.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Former President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz claimed, without knowing the subject at all (12/2/14), that the amount of water available to the average Israeli is unfairly greater than the amount of water available to the average Palestinian. The European said “a Palestinian is entitled to 17 liters of water per day, compared to the 70 to which an Israeli has access.” The Palestinians violate the Oslo Agreement on water issues, steal water from Israel and even waste water. What is clear is that they have succeeded in convincing some uninformed and some ill-intentioned people.
Summary:
Former President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz stated, “A Palestinian is entitled to 17 liters of water a day, compared to 70 for an Israeli.” Legally, Schultz must blame the Palestinian Authority unless it ignores the Oslo Accords.
What specific problems exist in the West Bank with respect to water?
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
The Oslo Accords give the Palestinians the right to draw 70,000,000 cubic meters from the Eastern Aquifer Mountain (groundwater reservoir). However, this water resource is currently not being capitalized by the Palestinians and the water is spilling into the Dead Sea. According to the Israeli-Palestinian agreement, about 40 sites were identified for drilling through this aquifer in the East Hebron Hills region, and permits were granted to the Palestinians by the Israel-AP Joint Water Resources Committee. Why don’t they drill there?
Summary:
The Oslo Accords allow the Palestinians to extract 70,000,000 cubic meters from the Eastern Aquifer Mountain (groundwater). About 40 drilling sites were identified in the East Hebron Hills region. Why don’t they drill there?
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
The Palestinian Authority needs about 200 million cubic meters of water per year. They draw 87 million from existing boreholes, from which Israel was drawing 118 million and could draw another 70-80 million from the eastern part of the aquifers, but… they do not deign to do effective work there. Moreover, Israel sells the Palestinians 55 million cubic meters of water at prices lower than the cost of their production and even less than what the Israelis pay (20% less). This being the case… only a very disturbed person can accuse Israel of Palestinian slackness.
Summary:
The PA needs about 200 million cubic meters of water a year. They draw 87 million from existing boreholes (Israel was drawing 118 million before). They could draw another 70-80 million. Israel sells the Palestinians 70 million at prices below the Israeli price (20% less).
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Today, the Palestinians consume about 200 million cubic meters of water per year in Judea and Samaria. The Palestinians could easily increase that amount by at least 50%, without any additional aid or allocation from the State of Israel. If the Palestinians were to reduce water wastage from 33% to 20% by fixing the major leaks in their pipes in urban areas (something that can be done without great effort), they would immediately benefit by an additional 10 million cubic meters of water. It is simple and the culpability obvious.
Summary:
Today, Palestinians consume 200 million cubic meters of water annually in Judea and Samaria. If they were to lower from 33% (current figure) to 20% the problem of major leaks from their pipes, in urban areas, they would immediately benefit by an additional 10 million.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Let’s look at another violation of the Oslo Agreement by the Palestinians. As of 2010, the Palestinians had drilled some 250 unauthorized water wells in the western and northern aquifer. Since 2010 these unauthorized wells have increased alarmingly. This has caused a reduction in the natural water discharge in the Beit-Shean and Harod valleys, forcing Israeli farmers to reduce their agricultural plantings. Israel has also been forced to reduce its pumping in the Mountain Aquifer from 500 million cubic meters in 1967 to about 400 million in 2015.
Summary:
As of 2010, the Palestinians had drilled some 250 unauthorized water wells in the Western and Northern Aquifer. They violate Oslo Accords. Israel has been forced to reduce its pumping in the Mountain Aquifer from 500 million in 1967 to 400 million in 2015.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Devastating
Unfortunately, Palestinian Authority policies are focused on using water against Israel. There is no real Palestinian desire to solve water problems; they prefer to perpetuate water problems in order to discredit the State of Israel. They see water as a tool with which to attack and discredit Israel. As with many other issues, the Palestinians specialize in destroying what Israel does, rather than building a welfare state for its Palestinian citizens. On the issue of water, they violate the Oslo agreements and perpetuate shortages.
Summary:
Unfortunately, the Palestinian Authority’s policies focus on using water against Israel. There is no real Palestinian desire to solve water problems; they prefer to perpetuate water problems in order to discredit the State of Israel.
What specific problems do you notice in the Gaza Strip with respect to water?
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
When the AAP was established (1995), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other NGOs prepared a comprehensive plan to solve the water problems in Gaza by the year 2000. It included repairing pipelines, reducing the use of well water, treating wastewater, establishing institutes for seawater desalination, and importing potable water from Israel. However, in 2000 the second Intifada broke out and that put an end to the plan. After the coup in Gaza, USAID closed its headquarters and boycotted Hamas.
Summary:
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other NGOs prepared a plan to solve the water problems in Gaza. It included repairing pipes, reducing the use of well water, and treating wastewater. The Hamas coup d’état (2007) put a stop to everything.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Friendly
According to a report (2016) by the Palestinian Water Authority, the total domestic water supply in the Gaza Strip amounts to 95 mcm/a, of which 86% comes from municipal groundwater wells; 4% comes from desalination; and 7% from Mekorot, Israel’s national water company. As of 2015, 96.4% of the natural water extracted from the coastal aquifer – the Strip’s main water source – is unfit for human consumption by WHO standards. What is the implication? They extract more water than they should.
Summary:
The total supply for domestic use in the Gaza Strip (Palestinian Water Authority) amounts to 95 mcm/a: 86% from groundwater wells; 4% desalination; and 7% from Israel’s Mekorot. As of 2015, 96.4% of natural water is unfit for consumption due to over extraction.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta Radical left con un tipo de tono Normal
Hamas’ over-extraction of the coastal aquifer in the Gaza Strip has led to seawater infiltration, raising salinity levels far beyond WHO health regulations. The results show that water drawn from more than 80% of the existing wells, specifically 201 out of 249, contain chlorine concentrations above the WHO limit of 250 mg/l. In addition, no wastewater is treated or purified, causing nitrates in the water. Since 2007, the total and absolute control of the Strip has been held by the Islamist Hamas.
Summary:
Hamas in the Gaza Strip extracts more water than it should from the aquifers, raising salinity levels beyond WHO regulations. In addition, they do not purify wastewater, causing nitrates in water. Since 2007, the Strip has been in the absolute hands of Hamas.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta con un tipo de tono
Israel should not agree to provide the Gaza Strip or the West Bank with water under the umbrella of “humanitarian” aid as this would be presented by the Palestinians as a supposed “acknowledgement” of guilt or responsibility, exposing it to claims in international courts. In an interview, Mussa Abu Marzuq (a senior Hamas leader in Gaza) said, “We prefer Israel’s reoccupation of Gaza…due to the fact that it will lead to the replenishment of water, electricity and manpower; all of which are the responsibility of the occupation forces.” Palestinian intentions are clear.
Summary:
Israel does not freely provide water to Gaza under the umbrella of “humanitarian” aid as this would be presented by the Palestinians as a supposed “recognition” of responsibility, which would expose it to lawsuits. At present, Israel sells certain products to Gaza.
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Estás viendo un tipo de respuesta con un tipo de tono
The international community has offered to build a desalination plant for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, but they do not want the gift. A desalination plant could solve Gaza’s water shortage. The Palestinians refuse to build this plant as they claim they have the right to access fresh groundwater reserves in Judea and Samaria and are willing to suffer until they realize this dream. Add to that the leaking pipes, the lack of water treatment plants and the incompetence of the Hamas government… and the crisis is understandable.
Summary:
The international community offered to build a desalination plant for the Gaza Strip. Hamas refuses as they claim they have the right to access the fresh groundwater reserves in Judea and Samaria and are willing to suffer until they realize this dream.