Israel Bans New West Bank Wells
From Jessica McCallin in Jerusalem
Background
Israeli infrastructure minister Effi Eitam last week banned Palestinians from drilling for water in the West Bank and put a freeze on the issue of permits for future drilling. The decision will have a severe effect on Palestinian agriculture, which relies mainly on water drilled from the ground, and will make it difficult for some villagers to access drinking water. This ban on drilling is only one of many discriminatory actions Palestinians face in terms of water access.
Israeli Discrimination and Water Crisis
Agriculture is already suffering due to the amount of land confiscated or destroyed by Israel, as well as a recent ban on Palestinians harvesting their olive crop. Additionally, many villages, about 30% of which have never been connected to the water network, are forced to rely on ground resources for drinking water either due to affordability issues or because water tankers cannot reach them because of Israeli policies.
Israelis receive between five and seven times more water than Palestinians, with priority access. This means that Israeli settlers, living in illegal settlements on the West Bank, receive ample water for swimming pools and lawns while Palestinians in neighboring villages struggle to obtain enough water for basic needs.
Israel's Justification and Palestinian Response
Eitam claims he imposed the drilling ban because the Palestinian Authority (PA) is running a 'water intifada' against Israel by failing to build water purification facilities in an attempt to pollute Israel's groundwater. Palestinians argue that this argument is illogical, as the PA has been largely incapacitated by the Israeli government and lacks the necessary resources and funding to construct purification facilities under the current conditions. They also find it baseless that Palestinians would intentionally pollute their own water resources, which they too depend on.
Water Resources and Occupation
Under international law, the West Bank's water resources, including the Mountain Aquifer and the Jordan river basin, are considered joint resources to be shared equitably between Israel and Palestine. However, Israel has exploited its control over the West Bank since the occupation in 1967 to advantage itself and its illegal settlements, unfairly limiting Palestinian access to water. Nearly all wells were confiscated, drilling new ones was prohibited, and quotas were imposed on existing wells. Allocation of water to Palestinians has remained unchanged since 1967, despite population growth. Israel currently utilizes 79% of the Mountain Aquifer and the entire Jordan river basin, with a small quantity sold to Palestinians in Gaza.
Analysis suggests that water access played a significant role in Israel's invasion and occupation of the West Bank and the water-rich Syrian Golan Heights in 1967. Many argue that Israel's reluctance to return these territories in land-for-peace negotiations is also driven by its desire to retain control over water resources. Over half of the water consumed by Israel originates from the territories occupied in 1967.
More recently, Israel has even threatened to bomb pumping stations in southern Lebanon as a response to plans by Lebanon to divert parts of the Wazzani river, which originates in Lebanese territory. Water remains a persistent and significant resource that frequently leads to conflict in the Middle East.
Water Crisis and Hotels: A Growing Concern
The Impact on Hospitality Industry
As the water crisis intensifies in various regions, hotels are increasingly facing challenges to meet the water demands of their guests. Both local residents and tourists, who heavily rely on the hospitality sector for their accommodation, are affected by the scarcity of water resources.
Water Conservation Efforts
Hotels around the world are recognizing the need to take action and implement water conservation initiatives. By adopting sustainable practices such as installing efficient plumbing fixtures, utilizing recycled water for non-potable purposes, and promoting guest awareness about responsible water usage, hotels can significantly reduce their water consumption.
Innovation in Water Management
Additionally, the integration of innovative technologies can help hotels optimize their water usage and decrease their environmental impact. Advanced water monitoring systems, smart irrigation systems for landscaping, and wastewater treatment systems are among the solutions available to the hospitality industry.
Collaboration and Education
Collaboration between hotels, local communities, and governmental organizations is essential in addressing the water crisis. By working together, stakeholders can develop sustainable water management strategies, share best practices, and raise awareness about the importance of water conservation within the industry and among guests.
A Call for Action
The water crisis poses a significant challenge for the hospitality sector, requiring proactive measures and long-term commitment to sustainability. Hotels must prioritize water conservation as an integral part of their operations to contribute to the preservation of this vital resource for future generations.
Manchester
- Manchester Hotels
- Manchester Airport Hotels
- Best Hotels In Manchester City Centre
- Hotels Near Manchester Victoria