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Address of Mr. Marwan Abdel Hamid Advisor of the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas.

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Presentation on theme: "Address of Mr. Marwan Abdel Hamid Advisor of the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas."— Presentation transcript:

1 Address of Mr. Marwan Abdel Hamid Advisor of the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas

2 1 Summary of Water Facts in MENA Region 2Availability of water and water demand in Palestine 3Israeli Offenses against Water Resources 4Signed Agreements 5Facts concerning Palestinian Water Rights 6National Legislative Decisions 7International law as a reference to reach a just solution to the conflict of the shared water resources 8Barriers and Obstacles which impeded joint ventures and projects in the water sector 9Conclusions and Proposed Solutions 10Urgent plans for alleviating the water deficit and suffering

3 Chapter One

4 Middle East and North Africa

5 Water Facts in MENA Region  86% of the Arab lands are classified as arid or semi-arid regions. Average rainfall ranges between 18mm in Egypt and 830 mm in the Lebanese Mountains, while the mean does not exceed 250mm a year. It is important to note that 50% of the rainwater falls on Sudan, while the evaporation rate reaches 75%. With Average rainfall ranges between 18 mm in Egypt 830 mm in Lebanon 86% of Arab region are DesertSemi desert

6  Generally, the amounts of fresh, renewable water obtained from rainfall over the entire Arab region reaches 340 billion cubic meters; 55% of this water falls outside the borders of the Arab countries,  and 38 billion cubic meters are produced from non-conventional water sources, mainly seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation. Wastewater reclamation Seawater Desalination 38 billion m 3  Many of the Arab Gulf nations currently rely on desalination schemes to provide 60-80% of the domestic and industrial water demand.

7 MENA has 5% of the world population with less than 1% of the available world’s freshwater resources.  The current population is approximately 280 million, and it is expected to reach 410 million and 650 million by the years 2025 and 2050 respectively. Therefore, the water demand will be greatly multiplied as the population increases. Population (million)

8  The average amount of water utilized for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes is about 182 billion cubic meter.  The agricultural sector receives approximately 89% or 162 billion cubic meters of this water,  while 11.7 billion cubic meter are used for domestic purposes. This amounts to 41 m³/c/yr or 114 l/c/d which is relatively low.

9  Before the 1950’s, every person was entitled to about 4000 m³/year of the renewable fresh water resources. This amount has now reached to 1000 m³/year and it is expected to drop to 500 m³/year by the year 2020 and then to 200 m³/year by 2050. This means that a huge drought in the region is expected for the future. m 3 /c/year

10  The Arab countries cover approximately 1,377 million km², where: 1.1% or 150,000 km² are irrigated lands; 1.9% or 260,000 km² are non-irrigated lands; 486,000 km² are forests and 11.87 or 86% are desert lands. Area TypeArea(1000km 2 ) Percentage of the Total Arab land. Forests4863.53% Rain fed2601.9 Irrigated1501.1%

11 The most important challenges that face the Arab countries in water issues are: The main obstacles in the water sector faced by Arab countries in the region are as follows: The increase in water demand is exceeding the available water resources at a rate of 3 to 5 times until the year 2050. There is deterioration in the quality of the available water resources due to increased pressure and over pumping of the groundwater resources. These resources are being destroyed, which may cause the Arab countries to lose more than 50% of their fresh water resources due to depletion and the dispersion of contaminants from un-treated wastewater, solid waste, agricultural activities, etc.

12 Regional conflicts over shared water resources, especially between Egypt and the riparian countries to the Nile River, also between Turkey, Syria and Iraq over the Tigris and Euphrates basin and the conflict between Israel and the riparian countries to the Jordan River, which include Palestine.

13 Chapter Two Availability of water and water demand in Palestine

14

15 Rainfall distribution over the historical Palestine

16 Rainfall contour over West Bank.

17 Jordan River,Dead Sea,and Jordan Valley Catchment Area Jordan River. Jordan Valley, Jordan River Basin ‘s borders with Jordan.

18 Commentary : Rainfall varies considerably from 50 mm/yr in Ellat/Aqaba Bay to about 1200 mm/yr at the northern mountains near the border with Lebanon. The population in Israel and Palestine is currently approximated at 8.5million and is projected at 13 million in the year 2025. The available renewable, fresh water resources are decreasing: 1.They are estimated at 1800 MCM/yr. 2.In addition, there is about 289 MCM/yr that can be made available from wastewater reuse. 3.Desalinated water is approximated at 220 MCM/yr. 4.Limited volumes of brackish water can be considered suitable for irrigation purposes. 5.Thus, the total available water resources for all purposes are approximated at 2340 MCM/yr in both Israel and Palestine.

19 Israel is working now at increasing available water as follows: 1.Desalinated water with another 200 MCM/yr by the year 2012. 2.Another 200 MCM/yr from wastewater reuse for agricultural purposes by the year 2012. 3.Thus, by the year 2012, the maximum available water for all purposes is projected to be no more than 2800 MCM/yr. Year/volume of water (Mcm/yr) Available Water for all purposes Desalinated Water Wastewater Reuse Now2340220289 20122800200

20 Demand In comparison, the current water demand is estimated at 2300 MCM/yr. This is expected to increase to 3700 MCM/yr by the year 2025 on the assumption that the per capita municipal and industrial consumption does not exceed 85 m³/yr, which is about 36% less than the current per capita municipal and industrial consumption of 120 m³/yr. Also, these figures assume a 35% reduction of the irrigated lands. Estimated demand (MCM/yr) Individual Consumption (m³/yr) Current2300120 2025370085  36% loss in the municipal and industrial consumption  35% reduction of irrigated lands.

21 We can conclude from the previous analysis that the available water is not sufficient to meet the ever increasing demand as the gap is expected to be 1500 MCM by the year 2025. This gap is evident from: 1.Deterioration in groundwater quality in all mountain and coastal aquifer basins. 2.The negative impacts on Lake Tiberius. This gap is calling for imminent actions according to a clear and decisive water policy. We believe this policy should include at least 1.The reallocation of water for agriculture 2.and imposing restrictions on domestic use.

22 The only way to solve the conflict over water resources, their shortages, and expected droughts is to follow this path: 1.Joint cooperation 2.Good will and good neighbors 3.Each party should respect the other party 4.Development of additional water resources 5.Efficient management of water resources 6.Preservation and protection of water resources from both excessive utilization and pollution

23 Reference Year period: 1980 -1999

24 Israeli and Palestinian utilization of water resources in Historical Palestine (Mcm/yr).

25 Basins in Historical Palestine -Shared and non shared aquifers

26 Groundwater Aquifers in the West bank.

27  Israeli and Palestinian Aquifer utilization (Mcm/yr) through wells and springs (1998/99) in the West Bank The total utilization (1010 Mcm/yr) exceeded the estimated total average recharge for the three aquifers (679 Mcm/yr according to Oslo II agreement) by almost 50%.

28  There are 4000 agricultural wells, pumping 85 Mcm/year  There are 100 municipal wells, pumping 54 Mcm/year.  There are 40 Israeli wells, pumping 5-7 Mcm/year  Total abstraction is estimated at 140- 145 mcm/year Costal Aquifer-Gaza

29 Eastern Springs In Gaza strip

30 Current Water Supply and Demand

31 Local Resources In West Bank

32 9/3/201532 Served Areas in West Bank

33 Unserved Areas in West Bank

34 Water Demand and Supply Deficit in Palestine in 2006

35 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Mcm/yr 200020052010 Year Palestinian Water Supply-Demand Gap Supply Demand Gap

36 Israeli and Palestinian Abstraction Wells inside West Bank 200 4 Palestinian Wells = 325 wells Total Abstraction = 64 Mcm/yr Israeli Wells = 37 wells Total Abstraction = 46 Mcm/yr

37 Chapter Three Israeli Offenses against Water Resources

38 Israeli military orders since 1967. The closure of the Palestinian areas in the Jordan River area and the destruction of the irrigation equipment and facilities in the area. Also, the Palestinians have been denied access to the Jordan River since 1967. The drilling of new groundwater wells for Israeli use inside the West Bank. These wells utilize some 55 MCM/yr for Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Israeli wells were drilled in close vicinity to Palestinian springs which dried out as a result such as the springs of Bardala, Fasayel, Auja and Ein Samia. The drilling of hundreds of deep groundwater wells in Israel very close to the green line with the West Bank. These wells are used by Israel to mine the West Bank aquifers, especially the western and northeastern aquifer basins. These wells pump some 500 MCM/yr. The construction of the separation wall and its negative impacts on the land and agricultural wells. Israeli Offenses against Water Resources

39 Israeli Wells = 37 wells Total Abstraction = 46 Mcm/yr Israeli and Palestinian Abstraction Wells inside West Bank 2004

40 Israeli’s Wells Inside the Green Line

41 Apartheid Wall & Water Resources

42 The New proposed location of the separation wall as appeared in Al-Quds newspaper on 5/5/2006

43 Apartheid Wall &Springs.

44 Palestinian Wells (West Bank)

45 Wells in Jordan River Basin

46 Dry springs and wells in Jordan River Catchment Area 1. Dlaib Spring.

47 2. Ein – Sedra spring

48 3.Pumping station in Jericho.

49 4.Source of Miskah Spring.

50 Chapter Four Signed Agreements

51 1.The main reference of the peace process: The Declaration of Principles On Interim Self-Government Arrangements, 1993  Cooperation in the field of water.  Production of joint studies on the division of water based on the principles of equitable utilization.  Assertion of good intentions and good neighbors  Each party should recognize the other party’s rights

52 Signed Agreements 2.Oslo II Agreements, 1995: Article 40 concerning water  Recognition by Israel of the Palestinian Water Rights in the West Bank.  Commitment by both sides to supply 80 Mcm/year of water to the Palestinians to reduce the water deficit during the interim period.  Creation of the Joint Water Committee (JWC)

53 Signed Agreements 3. Cairo Agreement, 1996  Cooperation in the field of water.  Resolution of water issues in the Gaza Strip. 4.Joint Water Committee  Led by the Head Israeli water negotiator and the Head of the Palestinian Water Authority, with members of professionals from both sides.  Responsibilities of this committee include the implementation of Article 40, from the Oslo II agreement, concerning water and wastewater.  Cooperation in the implementation of water and wastewater projects.

54 Chapter Five Facts concerning Palestinian Water Rights

55 Facts Concerning Palestinian Water rights -Shared and non- shared aquifers

56 West Bank & Gaza Aquifers. The Western and Northeastern groundwater basins are two groundwater flow systems shared with Israel, thus the water of these basins must be divided based on international policies, essentially the principles of equitable utilization.

57 85% of the sources of water for these two basins come from rainwater which falls inside the West Bank. Therefore, this hydrological factor must be taken into consideration in favor of the Palestinians.

58 Average Annual Rainfall over the Western and Northeastern Aquifers.

59 Israel is currently pumping the water of the Western and Northeastern basins through deep wells, which are drilled along the Green Line. At the same time, Palestinians are prohibited from drilling wells within the boundaries of these basins. Thus, Israel is in control and exploiting 86% of the renewable groundwater resources. Palestinians have access to only 14% of this groundwater, and this is in direct violation of international law. Palestinian and Israeli Utilization of Aquifers inside and outside the West Bank

60 Israeli Pumping of the West Bank and Gaza Aquifers

61 Palestinians have been utilizing groundwater from the aquifers in the West Bank for more than 200 years by means of surface wells which still exist today. Therefore, Palestine has legitimate historical riparian rights to the groundwater aquifers based on the principle of prior use.

62 Notice the Concentration of Wells in theJenin,Tulkarem, and Qalqiliya Districts. Palestinian Wells in the West Bank

63 Example of Pollution of Palestinian Wadis near Tulk arm

64

65 The current water situation and the suffering of the Palestinian people is mainly a result of the huge accumulating deficit in available water resources. This deficit is caused by the actions the Israeli army inflicted on the Palestinian people in the water sector since 1967. These unjust actions include prohibiting the Palestinians from drilling and developing any wells, and preventing the Palestinians from partaking in any way in the water sector without permission from the Israeli military water commissioner. Even before the Ottoman Rule, Palestinians had been using the water from the Jordan River and constructing water structures to irrigate their lands. Thus, Palestinians have legitimate historical riparian rights to water of the Jordan River based on the principle of prior use as well as according to International Law.

66 Jordan River Dead Sea and Jordan Valley Catchment Area Jordan River. Jordan Valley, Jordan River Basin ‘s borders with Jordan.

67 Palestinians have the right to permanent sovereignty and rights to the water of the shared groundwater aquifers and the water of the Jordan River based on principles of the General Law and specific International Law. Any financial, administrative or legal actions taken by the Israeli forces regarding Palestinian water resources are considered void according to national legislature and principles of international law.

68 Israeli Wells Inside the West Bank Bank Israeli Wells = 37 wells Total Abstraction = 46 Mcm/yr

69  Israeli and Palestinian Aquifer utilization (Mcm/yr) through wells and springs (1998/99) in the West Bank

70 60 years ago, when groundwater flow in the Western and Northeastern aquifers naturally flowed towards the Green Line, the water level in the agricultural wells inside the West Bank was very high. The yield of these wells was also very high. After Israel drilled many deep wells along the Green Line, the water level in the agricultural wells was greatly lowered, several Palestinian wells dried up and the well yields were reduced by 70%. This fact alone confirms that Palestinians are suffering severe injustices regarding their rights in the shared aquifers. The deep Israeli wells with high yields in the Jordan Valley within the West Bank have caused the drying of several Palestinian springs and wells in the North and Central areas of the Jordan Valley. The following figure shows the difference in drilling depth between Israeli and Palestinian wells :

71  Comparison of Total Drilling Depth between selected Israel and Palestinian Wells in the West Bank.

72 Israeli Well In Fasayel

73 Palestinian agricultural lands have been destroyed due to the closure of the Jordan Valley region and the prevention of Palestinian farmers from reaching the waters of the Jordan River. The Jordan River used to be the primary source of irrigation water for Palestinian farmers. The destroyed lands provided more than 60% of the agricultural production, including fruits and vegetables, in the West Bank. The Israeli side has affixed to their claims: 1.There is no longer enough fresh water to share with the Palestinians. 2.Currently, all the available water resources are being used by the Israelis, thus negotiations cannot take place regarding water which is already being used and is thus not available. 3.Palestinians must consider searching for alternative water sources, mainly seawater desalination. 4.Negotiations should not be about the Palestinian rights to the shared aquifers, nor about the Palestinian rights in the Jordan River Basin waters, but should be about developing cooperation regarding the search for new water resources from outside the region.

74 These are the previous and current Israeli views which we hope will change soon with return to the principles upon which the peace process was based, such as good intentions and respect of the rights of the other side. We anticipate that the Israeli side will see Palestinian water rights as described in Article 40 of the 1995 interim agreement and will handle this issue in the frame of a permanent solution and will commit to the agreement signed on 28/9/1995. The Israelis claim that all the actions, activities and projects which they have implemented abide by international law. These actions include: 1.Drilling of wells inside the West Bank and along the Green Line to pump groundwater from the Palestinian aquifers. 2.Diversion of the Jordan River water away from the basin towards the Negev. 3.Drying up the southern portion of the Jordan River. These actions taken by the Israelis are obviously implemented without any concern for international law which Israel must respect and commit to.

75 . Palestinians are forbidden from drilling new wells in the regions of the shared aquifers (Western and Northeastern) and there are strict regulations concerning this matter in the framework of the Joint Water Committee. The Israelis claim that the water resources are being threatened due to gradual depletion, and that extreme measures must be implemented regarding the over - pumping of the groundwater aquifers. They maintain that both sides, the Israelis and Palestinians, must resort to water desalination. Despite these claims, the Israelis continue unjust pumping activities which are resulting in the reduction of the Palestinian groundwaters.

76 Some Israeli conditions and restrictions being imposed against Palestinian requests to the Joint Water Committee regarding the drilling of new wells or the rehabilitation of old ones are: 1.All the groundwater resources in the West Bank basins should be utilized for domestic purposes only. 2.Palestinians must cease to utilize groundwater for irrigation purposes. The Israeli position regarding Palestinian water rights is fixed: 1.Palestinians shall not have any ruling power over the shared groundwater aquifers. 2.Palestinians shall not have any control over the Waters of the Jordan River Basin. 3.Palestinians only have rights of use, as determined by Israeli water policy.

77 Thus, Palestinians will not receive additional water from the groundwater basins or from the Jordan River Basin. The current amount of water which is available for the Palestinians is the maximum amount they will ever be able to attain. The only solution to reducing the current water deficit and for supplying the future water needs of the Palestinian is the use of alternative water sources, mainly seawater desalination. The dispute between Palestinians and Israelis regarding the term ‘water rights’ is crucial. The Israelis reject Palestinian rule over their water rights in the shared aquifer basins and in the Jordan River basin and consider this as an issue of water needs and consumption only. The Palestinians continue to stand by their demands of rights and legal sovereignty over their reserved and shared water resources and agree to any joint monitoring system which includes a commitment from both sides not to adversely affect the other, after reaching a final agreement concerning all the water issues.

78 Very few politicians and decision makers from the Palestinian and Israeli sides have sufficient background and knowledge in the field of water and its issues, thus there is a great gap between the technical, scientific and political levels which are concerned in resolving these shared issues in the water sector. Political intrusions, especially in the area of development of the West Bank groundwater resources, have led to complications in joint cooperation projects and in the implementation of the transitional water agreements through the Joint Water Committee. The issue of water rights is not linked to the economical aspect of water. Perhaps it is connected to the legal control over water to the first degree and to the social value of water to the second degree. Therefore, it is unacceptable and unreasonable to consider Palestinian water rights as a commercial deal with an economic value which can be bargained with.

79 Chapter Six National Legislative Decisions

80 The United Nations General Assembly, the Security Council and others have all agreed upon the following: National Legislative Decisions A.Palestinians rights, which are not open to negotiation, include the recovery of permanent sovereignty over their natural resources, mainly their water resources. B.An annulment and recovery of lands, natural resources and water stolen by the Israeli occupational forces must take place. C.The Middle East peace talks must be revived and should be based on UN Resolutions 242/1996, 338/1973, 425/1978, 1397/2002, on the principles of ‘Land for Peace’, and on the Middle East Road Map, and UN resolution 1515/2003 signed by the Quartet which proposed a permanent two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. D.Immediate cessation of the expansion of Israeli settlements inside the West Bank.

81 Chapter Seven International Law as a Reference to Reach a Just Solution to the conflict of Shared Water Resources

82 Most nations which share water resources with other countries rely on international law as a reference in reaching an agreement on the division of the water, based on the principle of “Reasonable and Equitable Utilization” and on good intentions. The general principles, regulations and policies of the international law regarding shared water resources and its use based on the principle of ‘Reasonable and Equitable Utilization’ must be respected. The private legal framework, which stems from the public legal framework, must include the private agreements, national decisions of the sort, and Palestinian rights over natural resources. The resulting jurisdiction of Israel as the occupying force in the West Bank.

83 Chapter Eight Barriers and Obstacles which Impeded Joint Ventures and Projects in the Water Sector

84 The unstable political and security conditions, which have caused an increase in tension, continuous sieges and closures of Palestinian lands, limitation of movement and constant arrests have adversely affected the implementation of projects and impeded the work of the Joint Water Committee in a significant way. Israeli politicians have interfered in water issues, as previously mentioned, especially in the development of the water resources agreed upon in the framework of the Joint Water Committee. They have also impeded approvals on well drilling projects which have been proposed to the Joint Water Committee in order to enforce their power over the Palestinians and to confirm their claim that ‘there is no longer any fresh water available so alternative water sources must be found’.

85 Association of the water issues with political issues, such as settlements, refugees, borders, etc. Interference of the Israeli military, which represents the civil administration, in the implementation of water projects in Area C, immobilization and cancellation of several projects due to “security issues” of the Israeli settlements. Lack of a single reference for water in Israel, interferences from several political and military positions in the water file, and limitations in power for the Head of the Israeli Water Authority (also the previous water negotiator) which prevent him/her from solving urgent Palestinian water problems.

86 Chapter Nine Conclusions and Proposed Solutions

87 Before presenting a summary of the conclusions of the current situation and the proposed solutions, a quote from Albert Einstein is fitting: "I want to know God's thoughts; the rest are details." We the Palestinians want to know the thoughts of our Israeli neighbors in a clear and honest form. We want to sit with them at the negotiation table and be able to reach solutions acceptable to both sides, with good intentions and appropriate behavior for the Holy Land which we live in. All the rest of the issues are just details. “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water”. W.H. Auden. Water is an element for life, peace, and stability between nations. The United Nations declared in an article that “Everyone has the right to life” meaning that everyone has the right to the essence of life: Water.

88 Water issues are one of the major issues which have been deferred to the permanent status negotiations. Thus, the faster a just and acceptable agreement is reached, the better the effect will be on the peace process and stability in the region. The issue of water deficit on both sides requires the development of additional conventional and non-conventional water resources. There is an urgent need to fulfill the water demand of the Palestinians, to reduce the suffering and strain, which can be done through the development of conventional water resources. There is also a need for the search of non-conventional water sources to meet the increasing future water demand for both sides. These matters can be dealt with provided there exists good intentions and honesty from both sides as well as sufficient funding and support. The issue of water was and remains to be one of the main causes of the wars in the Middle East.

89 A fair and just peace between the Israelis and Palestinians will never be achieved without first of all an agreement on the foundations and principles of “Being a Good Neighbor” and on confidence building and regaining trust among the parties. This will signify the importance of pushing forward and settling water matters which will then form a strong basis for the ‘good intentions and good neighbors’ principles. There is nothing to be gained from continuing this conflict over water, which is gradually increasing tensions and re-igniting the fires of war. If agreements can be reached on re-solving the water issues, ending the conflict, and committing to joint cooperation, then there is much to be gained for both sides through international financial support, sponsorship and investments in the water sector.

90 The current Israeli use of the waters of the Jordan River Basin and the groundwater aquifers shared with the Palestinians cannot be claimed as legal historical use by the Israelis and cannot be used by the Israelis to alter the facts and impose new ones on the ground. The Israelis must be made to understand that a solution will only be reached through negotiations based on principles of ‘good intentions and good neighbors’. Both sides must make a commitment to respecting the rights of the other side, based on international law. The PWA calls for a return to the 1995 Johnston Plan, which was drawn up by U.S. Special Ambassador Eric Johnston, for division of the waters of the Jordan River System and as a basis for negotiations between the two sides. The importance of water cannot be measured from an economical or financial standpoint, or as a win-lose case. Water has a social value. It is an element for life which every human has a right to. Thus, water is essential to peace and to ending the war.

91 It will not be productive to discuss regional cooperation projects in the water sector before reaching a final agreement regarding the water rights of the riparian countries of the Jordan River Basin and Palestinian rights to their groundwater. Peace in the region may be achieved by bringing the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands to an end and by acknowledging Palestinian water rights.

92 In the context of regional cooperation projects, it is possible to realistically discuss Turkey’s Peace Canal Plan, to import water to the Arab Gulf region, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel, and the Bahrain Canal (the Red Sea and the Dead Sea or the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea). These plans give rise to hope in solving the water deficit crisis, utilizing alternative power sources, improving the conditions of the countries in the surrounding region, and initiating joint seawater desalination projects, which the Israelis have already launched in recent years. These local projects may prove to hold the solution and future security to the water deficit, whereas the regional plans will not be achieved if the conflict between the Arabs and Israelis remains and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands continues.

93 There may exist complicated political conflicts, which could delay the reaching of an agreement between both sides. These matters must not deter the joint efforts in the water sector to manage the shared water aquifers and protect them from depletion and pollution until a final agreement is reached. Previous experiences from recent years have proven that the Palestinian Water Authority and the Israeli Water Authority have made great developments in joint local cooperation as well as regional cooperation between the Jordanian, Israeli and Palestinian sides with the sponsorship of the United States of America and enrollment of several European countries and Canada. There has also been cooperation between the two authorities on data exchange and knowledge sharing in the water and wastewater sector.

94 The PWA currently does not see any obstacles to prevent the development of cooperation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides in the field of water. All the formal and informal levels must aid the experts, researchers, policy makers, decision makers, specialists and scientists from both sides in all the areas concerned with the protection, nurture, and development of the water resources and water environment, raising awareness and guidance, applying new and improved administration, closing the gap between different perspectives and nurturing the sense of cooperation. All the recommendations emerging from conferences and international conventions, mainly the Dublin Convention, and the proposals set forth by the four components of the World Water Forum and the Johannesburg Conference agreed on the following millennium goals for fighting poverty and reducing the water deficit in third world countries:

95 1.The world’s countries must deepen the levels of cooperation between each other and must commit to solving the problems at hand. 2.There is an urgent need to adapt feasible methods to prevent drought, to reduce the deficit in water resources, and to avoid deterioration of the groundwater quality. 3.Fresh water resources must be protected from contamination and depletion. 4. Alternative water sources should be developed and be paralleled with awareness and guidance programs

96 Significant developments in the water sector may still be achieved in our current situation. An agreement may be represented by. This framework may rely on references and recommendations: 1. Of the International law, mainly Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice which consists of dual and regional agreements, 2. The general and specific international law, 3. Resolutions issued by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council regarding the water issues in Palestine, and especially the principles of reasonable and equitable use. For an agreement to be reached, both sides must be ready and willing to build legal and institutional relationships, far from personal gain, complications, political conflicts and historical claims. A shared, structured vision may be formed based on ethical principles, which will allow both sides to achieve their shared goals so as to ensure sustainable development for water resources as well as the environment, economy and society. The formation of a framework of principles regarding water rights for both sides over the shared water aquifers (including the groundwater basins) and the Jordan River Basin

97 Immediate commencement in the formation of a group of experts from both sides to gather hydrological, climate, social and economical data and information. This group must A.Identify past and present water consumption information from both sides and determine future water needs, B.As well as to locate available possible agreements for the development of new water resources. C. Current water facts on the ground for both sides must be established, signed agreements and foreign national agreements made for cases resembling that of the Palestinian and Israeli case should be arranged for future reference. D.This group of experts must also prepare a legislative and institutional structure for cooperation, along with proposed scenarios and negotiation options for a joint cooperation agreement between both sides regarding issues of management of shared goals and equitable division of water.

98 There are some urgent matters which should not be delayed to the final status agreements. One of these matters is the issue of water supply. Several Palestinian towns and villages in the West Bank are completely cut off from water supply services. Major Palestinian cities are also suffering from severe water shortages, especially in the summer months. A minimum of 120 l/c/day should be supplied to these regions. These crises are affecting the Palestinian peoples’ trust in the peace plan since it is not possible for a thirsty person who is living under harsh conditions to easily accept the meaning of ‘building trust’ and to believe in peace with the Israelis, as they continue to rob us the right of utilizing our own water resources.

99 The disastrous water situation in Gaza requires swift action.  Additional water supplies are needed, other than the available resources,  and the over-pumping of the aquifers must be stopped due to the exhaustion of the aquifers and the increase in salinity and nitrate.  The ultimate solution to these problems can be found in one of two options: 1. Either the construction of a 50MCM seawater desalination plant, or 2.a commitment from the Israelis to supply the Gaza strip with at least 25.5 MCM of additional fresh or desalinated water per year.  The Gaza Strip also urgently requires wastewater treatment projects due to the threat imposed on the groundwater, the surrounding environment and health conditions from the raw wastewater.

100 The chances of success in resolving the water issues and allowing water to be another step closer to confidence building, promoting the peace efforts in the region, are still on hand. They only require initiative and continuance from both the Palestinian and Israeli sides. Resolving the water issues will require the following: 1.Renewing cooperation between both sides, under the frame of the Joint Water Committee, to resolve the urgent humanitarian crisis of supplying the Palestinian citizen with fresh water to cover their drinking and domestic needs. 2.Cooperating and exerting effort with nations in preventing an environmental disaster in the Gaza Strip from contamination and devastation of the groundwater aquifers by seepage of untreated wastewater into the groundwater basins 3.Cooperation in the development of non-conventional water sources, such as sea water desalination, wastewater reclamation and re-use, water transport etc., as well as knowledge and information exchange. 4.Formation of teams of experts to work together on bridging the different views on water rights and developing scenarios for solutions and agreements which may be used for future negotiations.

101 Urgent Plans for Alleviating the Water Deficit and Suffering Chapter Ten

102 Resuming implementation of the interim agreement on water, mainly the part dealing with the facilitation of the development of about 80 MCM of additional water resources. To-date, only 40 MCM have been attained. New wells need to be drilled in the regions where at present it is difficult to look into existing sources. Farmers must be assisted in developing their crops and improving their only source of income by allowing the rehabilitation and restoration of agricultural wells. Initiation of a search for additional water resources, mainly seawater desalination, to secure the increasing future water demand. Urgent plans for alleviating the water deficit and suffering

103 Development of joint technical cooperation, allowing the Palestinians to benefit from Israeli knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of services associated with the production and distribution of water, as well as the use of sites, mechanisms and resources in this field.

104 Palestinian Water needs and Proposed Available Water Sources.

105 In summary:  Scientists, academics and engineers play an important role in resolving water issues and bridging different political perspectives by a)proposing technical, scientific, and economical solutions, and b)making use of technical experience in achieving joint cooperation for the benefit of both sides. Thus, any scientific or technical interference will help bridge the gap between the two sides.  Any solutions to the water problems must be based on doctrines of the International Law and the principles of ‘Reasonable and Equitable Use’ of the shared water resources, as well as foundations and principles set forth by International Law in 1986 regarding the implementation of reasonable and equitable use principles.

106  A fair and lasting peace for both the Palestinians and Israelis must be based on: 1.Mutual respect of rights 2.Humanitarian values 3.Provision of essentials for a healthy and prosperous life 4.Fairness and equity for both sides 5.The realization of the fact that a continuation of the struggle and tensions will not solve the current problems but only amplify them

107 If we the Palestinians and Israelis both want a real, equitable and permanent peace, then we must jointly divide the water in both terms of availability and scarcity. Thus, if water is available, then it must be available for all based on fair and equitable principles. Alternatively, if there is water scarcity or drought, then we both must withstand and endure the effects equally. It is unacceptable for one side to suffer while the other prospers on their behalf. Many Palestinian villages do not have access to drinking water while neighboring Israeli settlers enjoy their swimming pools, gardens and abundant amounts of water. This will not lead to a peace based on fairness and amity.

108 Investments from the USA, European Union, Japan etc, are needed to fund joint projects for the benefit of Palestinians and Israelis, such as a)the construction of sea water desalination plants, b)support and development of infrastructure, c)construction of dams in the wadis, d)and the creation of wastewater treatment plants and re-use of the treated wastewater.

109 THANK YOU


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