(NGO Monitor) "Close cooperation between all parties can ensure equitable, maximal access to clean and safe water and help create a more peaceful environment," said Professor Gerald Steinberg, president of NGO Monitor. "Unfortunately, NGOs would rather politicize this issue and demonize Israel than improve Palestinian access to clean water." The major factor in the water shortage in Gaza is the poor maintenance of the water and sewage infrastructure, resulting in losses of more than 40% (compared to 3% in the Israeli system). NGOs have accused the Israeli national water company, Mekorot, of profiting from "Israeli control over a Palestinian captive market under occupation." Yet, in 2013 Mekorot sold water to the Palestinians at a loss (at a price of NIS 2.85 per MCM). In contrast, Israelis pay NIS 8.89 per MCM, in effect subsidizing the Palestinians' water.
2015-04-03 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive