Thousands of Palestinians without water as Israel cuts supply during Ramazan

Inhabitants have warned they will hold Israeli firm responsible for any tragedies

PALESTINE: Israel has cut water supplies to large areas of West Bank leaving thousands of Palestinians without sufficient drinking water during the holy month of Ramazan.

Mekorot, the main supplier of water, has shut down supply to a large part of Palestine.

Ayman Rabi, the executive director of the Palestinian Hydrology Group, told Al Jazeera that in some areas people have not received water for more than 40 days. He further added that people are relying on purchasing water from water trucks and alternative sources such as springs.

Jenin, a city of 40,000 people, has had its water supply cut by half. Inhabitants have warned they would hold Mekorot responsible for any tragedies.



Mekorot has denied any accusations levied against it. The company told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that it has made broad reductions to all residents as a result of shortage of water supply in the West Bank.

"All the facilities are working and the capability to supply is less than the rate of consumption. The water authority recently approved a master plan for the water sector and accordingly we will build the systems that will meet the West Bank's required consumption," the company added.

According to the UN, 7.5 litres per person per day is the minimum requirement for most people under most conditions but in some areas of Palestine, where temperatures exceed 35C, the minimum requirement is much higher.



Since 1967, Israel has limited the water available to Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip since its forces occupied the territories. Israelis, including settlers, consume five times more water than Palestinians in the West Bank.

This story originally appeared on Al Jazeera.