In the occupied West Bank, the small community of Dura, situated near Hebron, recently faced a significant setback regarding its water supply, a critical issue for its residents. Just before Christmas, Dura, along with neighboring municipalities Halhul and Hebron, signed a memorandum with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to initiate a $46 million program aimed at improving local water systems. This initiative was crucial for these communities, which are among the most water-deprived in the region, heavily reliant on irregular water supplies from Israel. Unfortunately, this promising project was abruptly terminated in late February, shortly after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
The abrupt cancellation was attributed to a reevaluation of U.S. foreign aid standards, as articulated by a State Department spokesperson. This decision came amid a broader reduction in the foreign aid budget, which saw a significant decrease in funding for programs that had long supported Palestinian infrastructure, particularly in water management. The impact of this retrenchment is profound, especially for communities like Dura that have historically depended on U.S. assistance for essential services.
Water scarcity in the West Bank is a pressing issue, with stark disparities in consumption. While Israelis enjoy an average daily water intake of 200-300 liters, Palestinians in the West Bank average only 86 liters, a figure that conceals vast inequalities between well-supplied areas and those that are not. In Dura, the situation is dire; the community relies on a single 24-inch pipe operated by the Palestinian Water Authority, with water sourced from Mekorot, Israel’s national water company. The municipality’s water supply is neither reliable nor sufficient, leading to a situation where residents often receive far less than the recommended daily intake of water.
The planned USAID project aimed to address the significant losses in water distribution—estimated at 30-40 percent due to leaks and theft—by repairing the extensive network of pipes that serve Dura. The hope was that by reducing these losses, the municipality could improve its financial situation and alleviate the burden on residents, who often resort to purchasing overpriced water from private suppliers.
The consequences of the USAID cuts extend beyond Dura. Numerous critical water projects across Palestinian territories have been abandoned, leaving communities without essential infrastructure. In Jericho, for instance, a project designed to connect thousands of homes to sewer lines remains incomplete, forcing the municipality to cover the costs of repaving roads that were previously dug up for the work. In Tulkarem, halted improvements to wastewater services have resulted in sewage accumulation, creating health hazards for local residents.
Experts in the region, including Subhi Samhan from the Palestinian Water Authority, have described the situation as catastrophic. The abrupt withdrawal of U.S. support leaves a significant gap in humanitarian aid, with no alternative sources of funding readily available. The lack of infrastructure development is exacerbated by the Israeli authorities’ tight control over Palestinian water resources, further complicating efforts to improve water access.
The historical context of water management in the West Bank reveals a long-standing struggle for Palestinian communities. Since the Israeli occupation began in 1967, control over water resources has been a contentious issue. Agreements made in the 1990s regarding water rights have become increasingly inadequate as the Palestinian population has surged by 75 percent, intensifying the demand for water. The World Bank estimates that recovering lost water through improved infrastructure could increase total supply by around 40 percent, highlighting the urgent need for investment in this area.
As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, the inequities in water access are becoming more pronounced. Recent weather patterns indicate a decline in precipitation, with forecasts predicting rising temperatures and increased drought conditions. In stark contrast, Israel has invested heavily in water technology, including desalination and recycling, which has allowed it to maintain a stable water supply.
The future of water management in the West Bank hinges on the ability of Palestinian communities to adapt and innovate. Experts suggest that interconnectivity between water-rich and water-poor areas could be a solution, allowing reclaimed water to be utilized more effectively. However, the current political landscape poses significant challenges to such initiatives, as localities struggle to build necessary infrastructure under the constraints of occupation.
The abrupt termination of the USAID project in Dura serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of water access in the West Bank. As communities grapple with the implications of reduced foreign aid, the need for sustainable solutions to water management becomes increasingly urgent. Without a concerted effort to address these challenges, the prospects for equitable water access in the region remain bleak.