Israel violates Palestinian right in water resources: AWF

CAIRO – 28 November 2017: The fourth Arab Water Forum condemned Monday the Israeli violations against Palestinian water resources, and asked that Israel be prosecuted for violating international law.

President of Arab Water Council Mahmoud Abu-Zeid said that Israeli greed for Arab water is one of the greatest threats to Arab national security, especially water security.

Abu Zeid demanded that Israel be sued for confiscating the water resources of the occupied Arab regions, forcefully diverting these resources, and using them to build projects; such practices violate international law.

Israeli authorities have to allow Palestinians to access mutual clean groundwater and allow building the infrastructure of sanitation and water that would provide Palestinians with access to safe water regularly, Abu Zeid said.

The forum kicked off on Sunday. It focuses on five main themes: water and sustainable development, food and energy-climate nexus, water quality and ecosystems, sustainable solutions for shared water resources, and water and science technology and innovation.

The forum is scheduled to discuss a number of important topics of interest including the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Earlier Addis Ababa-Cairo relations were strained in the aftermath of the construction of the dam. Egypt said the construction would affect its share of the Nile water, whereas Ethiopia has claimed the dam is necessary for its development.

Saudi Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, deputy Defense Minister and Honorary President of the Arab Water Council, will host the forum.

A number of foreign ministers and environment ministers from different Arab countries, as well as regional leaders, regional and international organizations that are concerned with water issues will attend the press conference.