By Dr. M. Reza Behnam
Israel’s objective has always been to decrease the supply of water to Palestinians so that they will inevitably have to leave.
The International Court of Justice released its historic advisory opinion on July 19, 2024, condemning Israel’s actions concerning Palestinian water resources. The opinion highlighted the exploitation and control of water resources by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, calling for an end to Israel’s presence in the region. The ongoing water crisis in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, has worsened due to Israeli policies and actions.
The historical background of Israel’s control over water resources in Palestine dates back to the 20th century, with Zionist leaders expressing the importance of dominating key water sources for the sustainability of a future Jewish state. This control has led to disparities in water access between Israelis and Palestinians, with Palestinians receiving limited and sporadic water allocations.
In the Gaza Strip, the water crisis has reached catastrophic levels, exacerbated by the long-standing Israeli blockade and military conflicts. The UN reports severe damage to water and sanitation infrastructure, leaving the majority of the population with inadequate and contaminated water sources.
– Dr. M. Reza Behnam is a political scientist specializing in the history, politics, and governments of the Middle East. He contributed this article to The Palestine Chronicle.