An Academic Perspective of the Water Situation in Judea and Samaria
Water
January 19, 2012
Water Situation in Judea and Samaria: An Academic Perspective
Here it is a real perspective of this big problem and conflict: the water scarcity in the Middle East, specifically in the Judea and Samaria area.
In response to the recent French parliamentary report regarding the water situation in Judea and Samaria, the Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Ministry would like to present Hebrew University Institute of Earth Science Hydrology Prof. Haim Gvirtzman’s recent BESA report on “The Israeli-Palestinian Water Conflict: An Israeli Perspective,” contradict the harsh claims being directed against Israel.
Following is a brief summary of some of its main points:
According to international law as well, the Palestinians have no basis to their demands.
Today, there is almost no difference between Israelis’ and Palestinians’ per capita consumption of potable-natural water. The major gap that existed in 1967 has been reduced over the past 40 years and is now negligible.
Palestinian per capita water consumption in the domestic sector is significantly higher than the minimum defined by the World Health Organization.
Israel has met all of its obligations in the Interim Agreement with the Palestinians, as well as future needs as defined for the permanent agreement. In contrast, the Palestinians are violating the Agreement by preventing the construction of sewage treatment plants (despite financing from donor countries), by drilling pirate wells and by hooking up to Mekorot’s water pipelines without permission.
Points raised by the report:
* Today, there is no discrimination in water supply between Israelis and Palestinians.
* The Palestinians’ humanitarian needs are being fully met.
* Israel has met its commitments under the agreements.
* The Palestinians are violating the agreements (pirate wells and pipeline hook-ups).
* The Palestinians are refusing to build sewage treatment plants.
* The Palestinians are not meeting the criteria of “lasting development.”
* Israel has the right to the Mountain Aquifer according to natural indices.
* Israel has historic rights regarding use of the Mountain Aquifer.
* The Palestinians must utilize alternative, un-utilized, water sources.
* Signed agreements are binding under international law.
Short URL: http://todaynewsline.com/?p=8845
