21 mar 2020
Marking World Water Day and World Meteorological Day 2020, which coincide tomorrow and after tomorrow consecutively, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) and the Palestinian Meteorological Department (PMD) said in a joint press release the Israeli occupation authority controls more than 85 percent of the Palestinian water sources in the occupied territories.
A per capita average of 87 liters per day of water consumption in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is still below the internationally recommended level, said the press release, which is mainly due to the Israeli control over more than 85 percent of the Palestinian water sources.
Palestine mainly relies on water extracted from ground water resources, where its percentage reached 77% of available water, they said, explaining that the main reason behind the low use of surface water is due to the fact that the Israeli occupation prevents Palestinians from accessing and extracting water from the Jordan River, in addition to preventing the Palestinians from using water from valleys.
With scarce water and Israeli restrictions on access to resources, Palestinian cities are forced to purchase water from the Israeli water company, Mekorot. In 2018, they purchased 22% of the water available in Palestine, said the joint press release.
Moreover, said the press release, the pumping of water from the coastal aquifers for domestic use in the Gaza Strip has led to the depletion of groundwater reserves, with the groundwater level in the coastal aquifer reaching 19 meters below sea level, and it also led to the overlapping of sea water and sewage water filtered into the basin.
“More than 97% of the water pumped from the coastal aquifer in Gaza Strip does not meet the water quality standards of the World Health Organization,” they warned.
The data, they added, “highlighted and foreseen the possibility of facing of a real catastrophe in Gaza strip, which made the Palestinian Water Authority intensify and increase its efforts to rescue the water situation as well as mitigate the effects of this difficult situation on the daily life of about 2 million persons in Gaza Strip.”
According to 2018 data, Palestine has started producing quantities of desalinated water that is expected to increase in the upcoming years with the start of operating ed quantity desalinated water stations in Gaza Strip; however, these quantities will greatly increase with the implementation of the program of the Central Desalination Station.
Currently, the Palestinian Water Authority and Palestinian Meteorological Department, in cooperation with related local authorities, are implementing a number of programs aiming to monitor and evaluate the effects of the climate change, produce necessary reports in this regards, in addition to preparing required plans to adapt with these effects in the future, concluded the press release.
A per capita average of 87 liters per day of water consumption in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is still below the internationally recommended level, said the press release, which is mainly due to the Israeli control over more than 85 percent of the Palestinian water sources.
Palestine mainly relies on water extracted from ground water resources, where its percentage reached 77% of available water, they said, explaining that the main reason behind the low use of surface water is due to the fact that the Israeli occupation prevents Palestinians from accessing and extracting water from the Jordan River, in addition to preventing the Palestinians from using water from valleys.
With scarce water and Israeli restrictions on access to resources, Palestinian cities are forced to purchase water from the Israeli water company, Mekorot. In 2018, they purchased 22% of the water available in Palestine, said the joint press release.
Moreover, said the press release, the pumping of water from the coastal aquifers for domestic use in the Gaza Strip has led to the depletion of groundwater reserves, with the groundwater level in the coastal aquifer reaching 19 meters below sea level, and it also led to the overlapping of sea water and sewage water filtered into the basin.
“More than 97% of the water pumped from the coastal aquifer in Gaza Strip does not meet the water quality standards of the World Health Organization,” they warned.
The data, they added, “highlighted and foreseen the possibility of facing of a real catastrophe in Gaza strip, which made the Palestinian Water Authority intensify and increase its efforts to rescue the water situation as well as mitigate the effects of this difficult situation on the daily life of about 2 million persons in Gaza Strip.”
According to 2018 data, Palestine has started producing quantities of desalinated water that is expected to increase in the upcoming years with the start of operating ed quantity desalinated water stations in Gaza Strip; however, these quantities will greatly increase with the implementation of the program of the Central Desalination Station.
Currently, the Palestinian Water Authority and Palestinian Meteorological Department, in cooperation with related local authorities, are implementing a number of programs aiming to monitor and evaluate the effects of the climate change, produce necessary reports in this regards, in addition to preparing required plans to adapt with these effects in the future, concluded the press release.
10 mar 2020
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Rakan Abed El Rahman for Middle East Eye
Experts say Israeli policies and wars are to blame for a deepening water crisis in Gaza that will have detrimental effects on public health, especially on the most vulnerable segment of society: children. [Transcript by Ali Salam] Ahmed Hills – Water and Environmental Expert “96% of Gaza’s residents rely on groundwater for their daily needs, including drinking water. More than 35% – 40% of the Gaza Strip’s sewage is not connected to a sewage system because of the Israeli blockade and the Palestinian political division. |
So, Gaza’s groundwater is exposed to pollution. Only 2% of Gaza’s groundwater is drinkable, and that does not cover people’s needs.
The valleys of the Gaza Strip are dry in general. Huge dams were built on its upstreams with a calculated capacity to block as much rainfall as possible, which would fall on all of Palestine and flow into the Gaza Strip. The Israeli occupation built the dams and rebuilt reservoirs next to them, filling up the reservoirs with the water it blocks.”
Khalid Al-Tibi – Director of Gaza’s Environmental Health Department
“The segment of society most affected by polluted water are children and the elderly. Polluted water can cause serious health problems, especially diarrhea, typhoid or paratyphoid, which is caused by salmonella microbes. All these diseases can develop in children when they drink polluted water.”
Monther Shublaq – Director of Coastal Municipalities Water Utility
“To improve the water situation in the Gaza Strip, step-by-step solutions must be found, such as small desalination plants, rainwater collection, wastewater treatment, seawater desalination and infrastructure like reservoirs and pipelines. Pollution form sewage has environmental, health and social effects. It also causes further degradation of the groundwater.
The most significant challenges that led to our water disasters have been the three Israeli wars on the Gaza Strip. The wars continuously destroyed all the reservoirs, wells and pipelines. Israel is not subject to any reliable system. Some projects have been delayed for four or five years. There was talk of bringing heavy equipment for the water authorities, such as drills, in order to maintain the pipeline, wells and networks.
This equipment was bought in 2015, so it’s been five years and this equipment is still at a storage unit in the West Bank.”
Ahmed Al-Hor – Water Vendor
“The percentage of people who can’t afford to buy water is between 80% to 90%. The situation is difficult. Sometimes, I know a customer does not have drinkable water, and I ask him if he wants to buy it, but he replies ‘no,’ because he doesn’t have money.”
Walid Badwan – Gaza Resident
“I fill my gallon containers with water from this street tap because I cannot afford to buy water at all. Water is essential for my home, but I cannot buy it. I walk long distances to get drinkable water. This is, of course, a burden on me and my children. Usually the tap water is cut off for half of the day. And when tap water is available, it is not good for drinking.”
Mohamed Abo Al-Kher – Gaza Resident
“Tap water causes diseases like kidney stones. Every month, when I have enough money, like 5 shekels ($1.50), I buy water. Sometimes I have to borrow money.”
Khalid Al-Tibi – Director of Gaza’s Environmental Health Department
“Private desalination plants remove salt and harmful chemicals from polluted water. Then the water is sterilised and sold to citizens for drinking. But this is a temporary solution, not a strategic one until we get our water rights from the Israeli occupation.”
Ahmed Hills – Water and Environmental Expert
“When water is drawn from wells or taken from desalination stations, it is exposed to different types of bacteria, viruses and parasites, especially during the distribution process.”
Khalid Al-Tibi – Director of Gaza’s Environmental Health Department
“Water [from private desalination plants] doesn’t meet the required health standards for human consumption. Calcium deficiencies lead to osteoporosis and lack of fluoride leads to tooth decay.”
Produced and Translated by Rakan Abed El Rahman
The valleys of the Gaza Strip are dry in general. Huge dams were built on its upstreams with a calculated capacity to block as much rainfall as possible, which would fall on all of Palestine and flow into the Gaza Strip. The Israeli occupation built the dams and rebuilt reservoirs next to them, filling up the reservoirs with the water it blocks.”
Khalid Al-Tibi – Director of Gaza’s Environmental Health Department
“The segment of society most affected by polluted water are children and the elderly. Polluted water can cause serious health problems, especially diarrhea, typhoid or paratyphoid, which is caused by salmonella microbes. All these diseases can develop in children when they drink polluted water.”
Monther Shublaq – Director of Coastal Municipalities Water Utility
“To improve the water situation in the Gaza Strip, step-by-step solutions must be found, such as small desalination plants, rainwater collection, wastewater treatment, seawater desalination and infrastructure like reservoirs and pipelines. Pollution form sewage has environmental, health and social effects. It also causes further degradation of the groundwater.
The most significant challenges that led to our water disasters have been the three Israeli wars on the Gaza Strip. The wars continuously destroyed all the reservoirs, wells and pipelines. Israel is not subject to any reliable system. Some projects have been delayed for four or five years. There was talk of bringing heavy equipment for the water authorities, such as drills, in order to maintain the pipeline, wells and networks.
This equipment was bought in 2015, so it’s been five years and this equipment is still at a storage unit in the West Bank.”
Ahmed Al-Hor – Water Vendor
“The percentage of people who can’t afford to buy water is between 80% to 90%. The situation is difficult. Sometimes, I know a customer does not have drinkable water, and I ask him if he wants to buy it, but he replies ‘no,’ because he doesn’t have money.”
Walid Badwan – Gaza Resident
“I fill my gallon containers with water from this street tap because I cannot afford to buy water at all. Water is essential for my home, but I cannot buy it. I walk long distances to get drinkable water. This is, of course, a burden on me and my children. Usually the tap water is cut off for half of the day. And when tap water is available, it is not good for drinking.”
Mohamed Abo Al-Kher – Gaza Resident
“Tap water causes diseases like kidney stones. Every month, when I have enough money, like 5 shekels ($1.50), I buy water. Sometimes I have to borrow money.”
Khalid Al-Tibi – Director of Gaza’s Environmental Health Department
“Private desalination plants remove salt and harmful chemicals from polluted water. Then the water is sterilised and sold to citizens for drinking. But this is a temporary solution, not a strategic one until we get our water rights from the Israeli occupation.”
Ahmed Hills – Water and Environmental Expert
“When water is drawn from wells or taken from desalination stations, it is exposed to different types of bacteria, viruses and parasites, especially during the distribution process.”
Khalid Al-Tibi – Director of Gaza’s Environmental Health Department
“Water [from private desalination plants] doesn’t meet the required health standards for human consumption. Calcium deficiencies lead to osteoporosis and lack of fluoride leads to tooth decay.”
Produced and Translated by Rakan Abed El Rahman
1 feb 2020
Israeli soldiers injured, Friday, dozens of Palestinians during a nonviolent procession, west of Tulkarem, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.
Media sources said dozens of Palestinians marched in condemnation of the so-called “Deal of the Century,” presented by U.S. President Donald Trump, stripping the Palestinians of their basic rights, guaranteed by International Law and all related United Nations resolutions.
The Palestinians were marching on their lands near an Israeli Chemicals factory, which was built on their lands, dumping its toxins into them for many years, west of Tulkarem.
Israeli soldiers instantly resorted to the excessive use of force against the protesters and fire a barrage of rubber-coated steel bullets, gas bombs and concussion grenades, in addition to many live rounds.
Medics provided the needed treatment to dozens of wounded Palestinians, who suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Protests against the illegal Israeli Annexation Wall and colonies also took place, west of Qaffin town, north of Tulkarem, were the soldiers injured many Palestinians.
Thousands of Palestinians held massive protests across Tulkarem governorate, starting on Friday following noon prayers, when they marched chanting against the ongoing illegal Israeli occupation, the theft of Palestinian lands and the White House’s support to the escalating Israeli atrocities and violations.
Various senior political leaders said the Palestinians have constantly faced numerous conspiracies against their just cause, their legitimate struggle to sovereignty, liberation and independence, and will continue to fight for their rights.
They said the Palestinians are determined to establish their independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will continue to resist all colonialist and apartheid policies.
Media sources said dozens of Palestinians marched in condemnation of the so-called “Deal of the Century,” presented by U.S. President Donald Trump, stripping the Palestinians of their basic rights, guaranteed by International Law and all related United Nations resolutions.
The Palestinians were marching on their lands near an Israeli Chemicals factory, which was built on their lands, dumping its toxins into them for many years, west of Tulkarem.
Israeli soldiers instantly resorted to the excessive use of force against the protesters and fire a barrage of rubber-coated steel bullets, gas bombs and concussion grenades, in addition to many live rounds.
Medics provided the needed treatment to dozens of wounded Palestinians, who suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Protests against the illegal Israeli Annexation Wall and colonies also took place, west of Qaffin town, north of Tulkarem, were the soldiers injured many Palestinians.
Thousands of Palestinians held massive protests across Tulkarem governorate, starting on Friday following noon prayers, when they marched chanting against the ongoing illegal Israeli occupation, the theft of Palestinian lands and the White House’s support to the escalating Israeli atrocities and violations.
Various senior political leaders said the Palestinians have constantly faced numerous conspiracies against their just cause, their legitimate struggle to sovereignty, liberation and independence, and will continue to fight for their rights.
They said the Palestinians are determined to establish their independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will continue to resist all colonialist and apartheid policies.
15 jan 2020
Israeli settlers today flooded farmlands of the village of Jalboun, located to the east of the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, with wastewater.
Mayor of Jalboun Nidal Abu al Rub told WAFA that settlers from neighboring illegal colonial settlements have been discharging their untreated sewage for several days through Israel’s segregation wall.
He added that the toxic stream of sewage that runs steadily have a devastating effect on the health and livelihood of Palestinians in the area, and urged human rights organizations to immediately intervene to bring this Israeli violation to an end.
The sewage submerging farmlands, and the rancid smell engulfing the area and mosquitoes swarming it often force farmers to desert their farmlands, which are subsequently seized for the expansion of Israeli colonial settlements.
Settler violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the West Bank and is rarely prosecuted by Israeli authorities.
Settlers' violence includes property and mosque arsons, stone-throwing, uprooting of crops and olive trees, attacks on vulnerable homes, among others.
Over 600,000 Israelis live in Jewish-only settlements across occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in violation of international law.
Mayor of Jalboun Nidal Abu al Rub told WAFA that settlers from neighboring illegal colonial settlements have been discharging their untreated sewage for several days through Israel’s segregation wall.
He added that the toxic stream of sewage that runs steadily have a devastating effect on the health and livelihood of Palestinians in the area, and urged human rights organizations to immediately intervene to bring this Israeli violation to an end.
The sewage submerging farmlands, and the rancid smell engulfing the area and mosquitoes swarming it often force farmers to desert their farmlands, which are subsequently seized for the expansion of Israeli colonial settlements.
Settler violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the West Bank and is rarely prosecuted by Israeli authorities.
Settlers' violence includes property and mosque arsons, stone-throwing, uprooting of crops and olive trees, attacks on vulnerable homes, among others.
Over 600,000 Israelis live in Jewish-only settlements across occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in violation of international law.
5 jan 2020
The Israeli occupation authorities have opened water dams and channeled wastewater toward Palestinian farmlands on the eastern border of the Gaza Strip, Gaza's Ministry of Agriculture said on Sunday.
Adham al-Basyouni, the ministry's spokesman, said in a statement to Anadolu Agency that the Israeli wastewater has flooded agricultural lands, dairy farms and apiaries east of Shejaiya neighborhood in Gaza City.
Al-Basyouni added that opening the dams has damaged crops, destroyed apiaries, and led to soil erosion and death of cows and sheep, which resulted in huge losses for farmers.
He noted that Israel every year intentionally opens water dams and channels to flood agricultural lands in Gaza without prior warning.
No injuries among Palestinian citizens were reported in the incident.
Adham al-Basyouni, the ministry's spokesman, said in a statement to Anadolu Agency that the Israeli wastewater has flooded agricultural lands, dairy farms and apiaries east of Shejaiya neighborhood in Gaza City.
Al-Basyouni added that opening the dams has damaged crops, destroyed apiaries, and led to soil erosion and death of cows and sheep, which resulted in huge losses for farmers.
He noted that Israel every year intentionally opens water dams and channels to flood agricultural lands in Gaza without prior warning.
No injuries among Palestinian citizens were reported in the incident.
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