Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment of the Palestinian–Israeli Water Situation

Abstract

This paper examines and discusses the prolonged Palestinian–Israeli water conflict, taking into consideration recent formal and informal water negotiations and emphasising the future of water-based peacebuilding between the two sides. Sharing experience from the author's own water-related people-to-people work and in formal peace processes, it concludes by arguing that such efforts contribute to peacebuilding by closing the gaps in conflict-related understandings. It also argues the merits of developing and creating a Palestinian–Israeli Joint Water Authority (JWA). In particular, it proposes that such a joint institution should (1) minimise yesterday's ideology and politics, developing a future-oriented lens of practice, (2) develop and practise interdependency, and (3) create a context for the continued production of full equality and partnership rooted in international law and recognised practices. A five-element structure is proposed as guidance for future Palestinian-Israeli water-related peacebuilding.

Keywords::

• peacebuilding assessment
• PCIA
• Israel
• Palestine
• Middle East
• water

Notes

¹ Palestinians have no control over any water resources in the OPT. The PA assists Israeli authorities by coordinating with them through the JWC, in effect conducting some tasks that the Israelis should be undertaking as an occupying power (according to international law).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marwan Haddad

MARWAN HADDAD is a professor of environmental engineering and Director of the Water and Environmental Studies Institute (WESI) at An-Najah National University (ANU) in Nablus, Palestine. Haddad's main research area is in water quality and resource management.