DAWN.COM

Today's Paper | March 16, 2026

Published 21 Jul, 2025 03:29pm

Colonist attacks force complete shutdown of Ain Samia water system, threatening 70,000 Palestinians

The Jerusalem Governorate Water Utility has announced a complete halt of water pumping from the wells and stations in the Ain Samia area, east of Kafr Malik, due to escalating attacks by Israeli settlers on vital infrastructure, Wafa reports.

In an official statement, the utility confirmed that it has lost all technical and administrative control over the entire water system in Ain Samia, following a series of direct assaults on electrical networks, pumping equipment, communication systems, and surveillance cameras.

These attacks have led to the total suspension of operations, cutting off water supply to dozens of neighbouring villages and towns in northern and eastern Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorates.

The utility also noted that internet and telecommunications services remain disrupted in the area, severely hindering technical access, system restoration efforts, and field crew safety.

The Jerusalem Water Authority called on all official and human rights organisations, both local and international, to intervene immediately and urgently to halt the attacks. It warned of an impending humanitarian catastrophe that could deprive over 70,000 residents of their basic right to water if the situation continues.

Read Comments

ICC reprimands Salman Ali Agha for breaching code of conduct in Bangladesh ODI Next Story