10/07/2024
It’s unbelievable how no one answers the question: “If Israel can cut off the water supply to Gaza, doesn’t that mean they’re blockading it? Doesn’t that mean they’re occupying Gaza? Isn’t it immoral to cut water off to all civilians?”
NO!
Israel supplies only 10%-13% of Gaza’s water. In short, we give Gaza water as a gesture. We don’t have to.
Moreover, we do it even though they aim to wipe us out, while publicly declaring their intent to do so, and even while they actively try.
It’s almost automatic—like a Pavlovian response—that when we stop this small gesture, the world condemns us. Right?
Has anyone ever blamed a virus for killing its host, thereby cutting off its own life supply and ultimately killing itself? No, because that’s just nature. Has anyone ever blamed the host for dying? No, because that would be absurd. Yet when you frame Israel as the sole life supplier, suddenly there’s an absurd recipe for blaming Israel—for cutting off the life supply to a hostile virus. Absurd, right?
Here’s a newsflash for the haters and uninformed commentators who condemn us: let’s break down Gaza’s water supply situation.
1. Underground Aquifers:
Gaza relies heavily on groundwater from the Coastal Aquifer.
Did you know that?
Unfortunately, Hamas used its funds for terror against Israel rather than maintaining these aquifers, resulting in increased pollution from seawater intrusion and sewage contamination.
Efforts to rehabilitate and manage the aquifer could help, but Hamas had other priorities. And this situation also serves their PR campaign—two birds with one stone.
2. Desalination Plants:
Gaza does have small desalination plants that convert seawater into drinkable water.
Larger desalination projects, if adequately funded and powered, could be a sustainable long-term solution. If Dubai can do it, anyone can.
However, Hamas has directed its funds elsewhere, limiting the capacity of these plants.
Again, it’s a win for Hamas: propaganda points and neglected infrastructure.
3. Rainwater Harvesting:
Rainwater harvesting exists on a small scale in Gaza, but due to relatively low rainfall, it isn’t a major water source.
Expanding these systems could help, but once again, funding hasn’t been allocated for this purpose.
4. Water Imports from Egypt:
In theory, Gaza could import more water from Egypt through infrastructure projects, but that requires political coordination and investment in pipelines.
But Gaza’s leadership hasn’t made progress here. Why would they? When they can get water from Israel—whom they aim to destroy—and still blame Israel for limiting water when the situation escalates.
5. International Aid Projects:
International organizations have initiated projects to improve Gaza’s water infrastructure, such as building wastewater treatment plants and expanding desalination capacity. Continued investment from donors is crucial for future water security.
But we all know by now where that money ends up.
Now, let’s be even clearer with a few more facts the world ignores:
1. Water Supply Agreement:
Israel committed to transferring 10 million cubic meters (2.6 billion gallons) of water annually to Gaza. In practice, we transfer more—about 11.5 million cubic meters (3 billion gallons).
2. Pipeline Infrastructure:
Three pipelines currently carry freshwater from Israel into Gaza at various points along the border.
3. Humanitarian Efforts:
Despite the ongoing conflict, Israel has made efforts to maintain and even improve Gaza’s water infrastructure. For instance, during the war, Israel worked to fix Gaza’s damaged water network.
So, next time someone argues that “Israel is blockading Gaza by cutting off water,” and you want a stronger response than just “that’s not blockading; it’s border control like any country,” feel free to share this.
Israel is NOT occupying Gaza.
If we were, its citizens would probably have a better life. Did you read what their current government has done to their own water supply?
One might say it’s kinda sad (for them) we don’t want to occupy them.
Thank heaven we donate water.
