Water scarcity : conflict and cooperation in the Jordan Riven Basin

Abstract

For its naturally-occurring scarcity in the region and, more so, due to its unequal distribution between lsraelis and Palestinians, water is a growing cause of tension in this long-drawn Near East conflict. lsrael's unilateral control of shared water resources in the Jordan valley has been executed through years of exclusive control of ground and surface water sources to the detriment of its neighbours, notably in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This, coupled with the intransigence of Arab states to deal with the eternal enemy, has brought to bear a stark predicament for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, who are unfairly denied their adequate share of water. lts effects are felt in poor agriculture, dismal sanitation, and significant humanitarian consequences for Palestinians. ln contrast, lsraelis enjoy a water network servicing their households with unlimited access to water. By analysing how the existent disparities came about, this thesis will delve into the various aspects of the present water crisis on the ground, and analyse how these are affecting peace prospects. lndeed, besides the humanitarian cost resulting from the disparity, a political price is being paid in that the inequitable distribution of water is leavingan indelible mark on the psychological and social fabric of both winners and losers. From a diplomatic viewpoint, the water policy exercised by Israel is not out of line with the current overarching goal of preventing Palestinians from exercising any form of sovereignty over their resources. Simultaneously, Palestinians also have themselves to blame for inadequacy in water management capabilities and organisation. Speaking of the prospect of a 'Water War' may indeed be an exaggeration. However, water scarcity is being used, at a political level, as a pretext to exasperate tensions and achieve goals unrelated to water. This thesis which draws on the first hand accounts and views of the main protagonists, as well as sources of authority on the conflict, argues that although overshadowed by issues such as borders, settlements, Jerusalem and refugees in peace negotiations, the fundamentally distorted distribution of water cannot be left in the background if cooperation on other levels is to be achieved. lndeed, watcr nceds to be given weight in international peace-making. A reversal of the situationrequires, among other measures, the application of international law on the equitable distribution of water on a per capita basis and the augmenting of water supplies through available technological means.