Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment of the Palestinian–Israeli Water Situation

Abstract

This paper examines and discusses the prolonged Palestinian–Israeli water conflict, taking into consideration recent formal and informal water negotiations and emphasising the future of water-based peacebuilding between the two sides. Sharing experience from the author's own water-related people-to-people work and in formal peace processes, it concludes by arguing that such efforts contribute to peacebuilding by closing the gaps in conflict-related understandings. It also argues the merits of developing and creating a Palestinian–Israeli Joint Water Authority (JWA). In particular, it proposes that such a joint institution should (1) minimise yesterday's ideology and politics, developing a future-oriented lens of practice, (2) develop and practise interdependency, and (3) create a context for the continued production of full equality and partnership rooted in international law and recognised practices. A five-element structure is proposed as guidance for future Palestinian-Israeli water-related peacebuilding.