Follow the Drop: Water Theft in Kufr 'Aqab
Keyword: 
Water theft
Kufr 'Aqab
Israeli jurisdiction
water politics
community resilience
greater Jerusalem
Abstract: 

This article delves into the intricate issue of internal water theft in the densely populated and neglected area of Kufr ‘Aqab. Despite being under Israeli jurisdiction, water in Kufr ‘Aqab is primarily supplied by the Palestinian Authority, leading to unique challenges. The article highlights various methods of water theft and the socio-political  implications of such acts, emphasizing the vulnerability and resilience of the residents. Through a combination of personal experience and community insights, the author sheds light on the pervasive issue of water theft, its impact on daily life, and the broader context of water politics in Palestine. The article underscores the need for a deeper understanding of localized water struggles within the larger framework of Palestinian resistance against settler colonialism.

Author biography: 

Chris Whitman-Abdelkarim is the representative for Medico International in Palestine/Israel. He obtained his MA from Hebrew University in Jerusalem in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies and has worked at a number of Palestinian and Israeli NGOs since 2011 on issues such as labor rights, the Jordan Valley, settlements, and human rights.