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Palestine’s lingering water crisis

Water resources in Palestine are threatened, and in the absence of an outline for a tangible agreement with Israel, the future does not look promising.
An Israeli border police officer gestures towards a Palestinian farmer during the removal of water pipes from their farm near the West Bank city of Hebron October 29, 2009. A confrontation erupted during the removal of the pipes  by Israeli authorities that illegally divert water, an Israeli border police spokesman said on Thursday. REUTERS/Nayef Hashlamoun (WEST BANK CONFLICT POLITICS) - RTXQ4KQ

The Palestinians did not forget to celebrate World Water Day on March 22, whose theme for this year was “Water and Sustainable Development.” They dedicated this day to evaluate and assess their water situation, in light of the Israeli control over the water resources. The Palestinian Water Authority (PWA), in cooperation with environmental and aquatic associations and centers, in addition to Palestinian and international water experts, dedicated this day to assessing the situation of Palestinian water — under Israel's control of water sources — through seminars, workshops and conferences.

Twenty-one years have passed since the Oslo Accord and the referral of the water matter to what has become known as final-status issues, which have not yet been discussed. These issues include Jerusalem, the refugees, the states, borders and security, the settlements and water. However, the question remains: What do Palestinians have left of their water rights?

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