The Jordan region area is considered to be one of the most important regions in the West Bank in
terms of water resources availability. It contains surface and groundwater: surface water comes
from the eastern slopes of the West Bank and the western slopes of the east bank to flow in the
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Jordan River. The amounts of these resources varies from one place to another, from one season
to another during the year, and from year to year. Water sources are affected by factors of
location, topography, geology and climate.
In 1967, Israel occupied the West bank and Gaza Strip. Following occupation, Israel took
controlled over water resources in the occupied Palestinian lands, and all Palestinian water
sources were declared Israeli State Property. In 1995 and according to OSLO Interim agreement
between the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel, the West Bank was divided into
three geopolitical areas, (Areas A, B and C). Area C, which represents 62% of the West Bank area,
was placed under complete Israeli control. So, Palestinians can't use any resources in area C
including water resources without getting permission from Israeli Authorities, and in most cases
they do not give permission.
This paper aims to analyze water resources in the Jordan valley, and to better understand the
effect of Israeli occupation policy on these resources.
Keywords: Jordan Valley, Palestine, West bank, Water resources, ground water

Title

Centro de Geografia e Ordenamento do Territorio (CEGOT).

Publisher

(CEGOT)

Publisher Country

Portugal

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

10

Year

2016

Pages

385-394