In Search of the River Jordan: A Story of Palestine, Israel and the Struggle for Water

The Israel-Palestine conflict has been over water supply, with Israel diverting the River Jordan to build a modern state. This has caused Gaza to become water-stressed, and the United Nations has warned it could become uninhabitable. James Fergusson travels to Israel and Palestine to tell the story of the River Jordan and the fierce competition for water, giving voice to the fears and aspirations of the regions inhabitants and highlighting the centrality of water in negotiating future peace.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

The Jordan River, a legendary yet contentious waterway, has been the focal point of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Israel has successfully established a modern state by diverting the River Jordan through pipes and canals, but this has come at the expense of the region's inhabitants. Gaza, once a thriving water source, is now facing a dire water crisis, with the United Nations warning that it may become uninhabitable due to extensive over-extraction and mismanagement. The effects of this water crisis have been further exacerbated by the ongoing blockade, which has hindered the region's ability to access and manage its water resources.

Award-winning author and journalist James Fergusson embarks on a remarkable journey to explore every corner of Israel and Palestine, shedding light on the story of the River Jordan and the intense competition for water. Along his path, Fergusson encounters a diverse range of individuals, including farmers, officials, soldiers, refugees, settlers, rioting youth, religious zealots, water experts, and engineers, representing both sides of the Green Line. Through his insightful interviews and personal encounters, Fergusson gives voice to the fears and aspirations of the regions inhabitants, emphasizing the crucial role of water in shaping the future of peace.

The Jordan River, a lifeline for millions of people, has been the subject of intense rivalry and conflict for centuries. Its waters have been diverted, its banks fortified, and its banks divided, creating a complex web of political, economic, and environmental challenges. The river's water supply has become a source of tension between Israel and its neighbors, with each country claiming exclusive rights to its waters.

In recent years, the water crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with the United Nations warning that the city could become uninhabitable within a few years. The traditional water source of Gaza, the Mediterranean Sea, has been over-extracted and contaminated, leading to a decline in water quality and availability. The blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza has further exacerbated the situation, restricting the import of essential water treatment equipment and limiting the access of Gazans to clean water.

The effects of the water crisis in Gaza are far-reaching and devastating. The lack of access to clean water has led to a rise in water-borne diseases, including cholera and diarrhea, which have caused thousands of deaths and left millions of people vulnerable. The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of Gaza's economy, has been severely impacted, with farmers unable to cultivate their crops due to a lack of water. The water crisis has also led to social unrest and political instability, with tensions between different factions in Gaza rising as they compete for limited resources.

In response to the water crisis in Gaza, the international community has taken steps to address the issue. The United Nations has launched several initiatives to improve the water infrastructure in Gaza, including the construction of new water treatment plants and the rehabilitation of existing ones. The European Union has also provided funding to support these efforts, as well as to provide emergency aid to those affected by the crisis.

However, the water crisis in Gaza is far from over, and the challenges facing the region are complex and multifaceted. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, as well as the political and economic instability in the region, continue to hinder efforts to improve the water infrastructure and provide access to clean water for all Gazans.

In conclusion, the Israel-Palestine conflict has been deeply intertwined with the issue of water supply, with Israel's diversion of the Jordan River and the subsequent water crisis in Gaza serving as a stark reminder of the importance of water in shaping the future of the region. The water crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with the United Nations warning that the city could become uninhabitable within a few years. The international community has taken steps to address the issue, but the challenges facing the region are complex and multifaceted, and the water crisis is far from over. It is essential that all parties involved in the conflict work towards a peaceful resolution that ensures the sustainable use and management of water resources for the benefit of all Gazans and the region as a whole.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300244151