In the occupied West Bank last week, without giving notice to residents, Israel’s military forces demolished a groundwater well that served an entire town, then permanently sealed the well with stones and cement.
The planned and deliberate destruction of Palestinian water infrastructure, including pipelines, wells, and reservoirs, the denial of construction permits, and the confiscation and control of Palestinian natural water resources have left the population in the West Bank at extreme risk of severe water scarcity.
Illegal Israeli settlers have access to 320 litres of water per person per day, which is more than the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 100 litres. Palestinians in Areas A and B are limited to 75–100 litres per person per day. Palestinians in Area C are restricted to 30 to 50 litres per person per day.
Banner image by Paul Normandia of Red Sun Press