Water shortage in Gaza and West Bank

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Water is essential in our daily life. But for people in Gaza and the West Bank, having an adequate supply of water is a luxury. Analists say it is because Israel controls the water flow to the Palestinian territories.

Water is a major point of contention between Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel's daily water consumption per capita is four times higher than that in the two Palestinian territories. Water has become an issue that must be solved before the two sides can make peace.

Water scarcity affects all aspects of Palestinians' lives.

Around 200 thousand Palestinians, or about 8 percent people in the West Bank do not have running water in their homes.

Not enough wells have been drilled in the region, so water is often rationed and buildings with running water do not have regular supplies.

The water situation in Gaza had reached a "crisis point", with 90 to 95 percent of the water supply contaminated and unfit for human consumption.

An Israeli blockade has halted any repairs to the strip's overburdened sewage and water networks.

Thousands of illegally drilled wells have depleted Gaza's coastal aquifer and allowed seawater to flow in.

International communities have called for Israel to lift the restrictions that are currently imposed."

However, Israeli officials deny the accusations. They call on the Palestinians to work together to solve the water shortages.