Water-Deprived

Abstract

Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, currently in its 50th year, includes its systematic control and exploitation of Palestinian natural resources, preventing Palestinians from fully benefiting from their natural wealth. This article examines how, in the case of water, Israel has deliberately denied Palestinians control over and access to their water resources, in clear violation of its obligations under international law, which require Israel as occupying power to protect the occupied Palestinian population and territory. The author argues that through the imposition of discriminatory policies and practices, Israel has created a comprehensive system of control over the water resource, which prohibits Palestinians from exercising sovereign rights over their water resources and forces the dependence of Palestinians on Israel for much of their water needs. Accordingly, Palestinians suffer from a lack of sufficient access to their most basic need; and a severe imbalance of water usage exists favoring Israelis, both those residing in illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in Israel. The article finishes by examining what role third party states, companies and civil society should play in resisting the exploitation of water by Israel and the national water carrier, Mekorot.

Keywords: Palestine, Israel, Water, Oslo Accords, Occupying power