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Water Apartheid: Settlers Seize al-Auja Spring in West Bank

1/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Palestinian families in the eastern occupied West Bank say Israeli settlers have stolen water from the al-Auja spring, the crisis described as 'water apartheid'.
Settlers have fenced off the spring and installed pumps, while Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Finance Minister, has supported settlers' control of water resources.
Jad Isaac noted settlers use seven times more water than Palestinians, with some communities receiving under 15 liters daily.

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Story summary

Palestinian families in the eastern occupied West Bank say Israeli settlers have stolen water from the al-Auja spring, the crisis described as 'water apartheid'.
Settlers have fenced off the spring and installed pumps, while Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Finance Minister, has supported settlers' control of water resources.
Jad Isaac noted settlers use seven times more water than Palestinians, with some communities receiving under 15 liters daily.