Fact Check: Israel Merakot water supply company is cutting water to town of Salfit.

Fact-Check: "Israel Merakot water supply company is cutting water to town of Salfit."

What We Know

The claim that the Israeli water supply company Mekorot is cutting water to the town of Salfit is supported by multiple sources. According to Haaretz, residents of Salfit have been experiencing significant water shortages, particularly during the summer months. The mayor of Salfit, Dr. Shaher Ishtayeh, reported that the town's main water reservoir was completely empty, and residents were not warned in advance about the cuts, which exacerbated the situation.

Furthermore, the Palestinian Authority has stated that Mekorot has cut off water supplies to several municipalities, including Salfit, affecting tens of thousands of Palestinians who are now forced to buy water from trucks. The water supply reduction has been characterized as part of a broader strategy, with reports indicating that the cuts are particularly severe during the month of Ramadan, a time when water is critically needed.

Additionally, Mondoweiss details how Mekorot's water supply reductions are not isolated incidents but part of a recurring issue affecting various towns in the West Bank, including Idna, where similar water shortages have been reported. The company claims that illegal water extraction by residents has necessitated these cuts, but this assertion is contested by local authorities and residents who argue that the cuts disproportionately affect the population.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple credible sources corroborating the assertion that Mekorot is cutting water supplies to Salfit. The reports from Haaretz and the Palestinian Authority provide firsthand accounts from local officials, which enhances their reliability. The mayor's comments about the lack of prior warning and the immediate impact on residents lend credibility to the claim that the water cuts are severe and poorly managed.

However, it is important to consider the potential biases in these reports. For instance, Mondoweiss is known for its critical stance on Israeli policies, which may influence the framing of the situation. Nonetheless, the corroboration from multiple independent sources, including IMEMC News and Al Jazeera, suggests a consistent narrative regarding the water supply issues in Salfit.

The context of the water crisis in the West Bank, as outlined by various reports, indicates a long-standing issue of unequal water distribution, with Palestinians receiving significantly less water than Israeli settlers. This systemic inequality adds weight to the argument that the cuts are not merely administrative but part of a broader pattern of resource control.

Conclusion

The claim that the Israel Merakot water supply company is cutting water to the town of Salfit is True. Multiple reliable sources confirm that Mekorot has indeed reduced water supplies to Salfit, leading to significant hardships for the local population. The evidence indicates that these cuts are part of a larger, ongoing issue of water management in the West Bank, characterized by unequal distribution and lack of access for Palestinian communities.

Sources

1. Israel Cuts Water: West Bank “in full crisis mode” - HLRN
2. How one Israeli company controls - and cuts off - Mondoweiss
3. PMO: Israel Is Waging a Water War against Palestinians - Palestinian Authority
4. Palestinian City Parched After Israel Cuts Water Supply - Haaretz
5. Israel cuts back water supply to Salfit: Summer 2016 - B'Tselem
6. Mekerot's West Bank Water War Continues - IMEMC News
7. Israel's water cuts: West Bank 'in full crisis mode' - Al Jazeera