The Water Crisis in Jerusalem: A Struggle for Basic Human Rights
In the heart of occupied Jerusalem, residents face a dire water crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and political strife. As articulated by the United Nations, access to safe and adequate drinking water is a fundamental human right. Yet, many Jerusalemites, particularly those living behind the separation wall, are experiencing severe water shortages, raising concerns that water is being weaponized against them. This situation reflects a broader pattern of deprivation that has persisted since the Oslo Accords negotiations in 1993, where water rights were sidelined in discussions regarding the final status of the region.
The mayor of Al-Eizariya, Khalil Abu al-Rish, revealed that his community relies heavily on water supplied by the Israeli company Gihon, with a significant portion of their needs unmet due to reduced allocations. The municipality is grappling with a dilapidated water network established in the 1970s, leading to a staggering 42% loss in water supply. As a result, the citizens are deprived of this essential resource, which is critical not only for drinking but also for agriculture and other development projects.
The Impact of Reduced Water Supply on Daily Life
Amani Abu Ziad, director of the Planning and Projects Unit in Al-Eizariya, noted that the community serves approximately 50,000 residents with water quantities sufficient for only 24,000. This imbalance has been exacerbated by recent reductions in water supply, which have forced the municipality to prioritize distribution amid rising demand. Residents are left in a precarious situation, fearing that the ongoing conflict could further limit their access to water as the occupation tightens its grip.
Ziad Jaffal, representing the Abu Dis Water Association, echoed these concerns, stating that the town's daily water needs far exceed what is currently supplied. The fear of a complete cutoff looms large, particularly if electricity outages occur as a result of military actions, which would halt water pumping operations. This alarming scenario highlights the vulnerability of Jerusalemites who already struggle with basic necessities due to systemic inequalities.
Residents of Kafr Aqab, another neighborhood behind the separation wall, have protested against water shortages that have persisted for over three months. Despite some improvements, the community remains skeptical of the Israeli government's intentions, suspecting that these water restrictions are part of a broader strategy to alter the demographic landscape of Jerusalem in favor of Jewish residents. The head of the Northern Jerusalem Neighborhoods Committee, Munir Zaghir, emphasized that the struggle for water is intertwined with the fight for dignity and survival in the face of oppressive policies.
As the situation in Jerusalem continues to evolve, the international community must recognize the critical importance of water access as a human right and advocate for equitable solutions that address the needs of all residents, regardless of their background.
