Studies show that US coverage is Israeli-centric. The main bureaus for CNN, Associated Press, Time, etc. are located in Israel and often staffed by Israelis. The son of the NY Times bureau chief is in the Israeli army;"pundit" Jeffrey Goldberg served in the IDF; Wolf Blitzer worked for AIPAC. Because the U.S. gives Israel over $8 million/day - more than to any other nation - we feel it is essential that we be fully informed on this region. Below are news reports to augment mainstream coverage.

Friday, February 4, 2011

UN condemns Israeli destruction of Palestinian water systems

IMEMC - After documenting the destruction of 27 water cisterns, and diversion of 15 mountain springs by Israeli forces over the last year, the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Territories for the United Nations, issued a statement condemning the attacks on water.

Israeli occupation forces and settlements control 75% of the water in the West Bank, and many Israeli officials, including former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, have stated on multiple occasions that part of the reason for expanding settlements on hilltops in the West Bank is to control the dwindling water supply there, and divert it to the people of Israel.

In addition, according to Israeli law, Palestinians are allowed to dig wells just ten meters deep, while Israelis can dig wells up to 80 meters deep. The differential water allowances, and the control of the water sources by Israel, has resulted in widespread water shortages among Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly in summer months, when Israeli authorities cut off the water supply for weeks on end. Even though the average Palestinian uses just one-tenth the amount of water of the average Israeli, due to the cut-off of water, Palestinians often find themselves with insufficient amounts to farm or even to drink and bathe.
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at 2/04/2011 06:39:00 PM