Major West Bank Water System Serving 100,000 Palestinians Shut Down after Settler Attack
The Jerusalem Governorate Water Utility announced Monday that it has been forced to halt all pumping operations at the Ain Samia facility, located east of Kafr Malik in the northeastern Ramallah area. The utility said it has lost complete technical and administrative control over the water system after a series of coordinated assaults on electrical networks, pumping equipment, and surveillance systems.
The attacks have disrupted internet and telecommunications services throughout the region, making it dangerous for technical crews to access the site and attempt repairs. Sunday's latest incident saw settlers vandalize security cameras and damage critical water infrastructure at the facility.
Ain Samia represents a cornerstone of the region's water supply, housing five active wells ranging from 100 to 500 meters deep. The facility produces approximately 12,000 cubic meters of water daily, roughly 17% of all water managed by the Jerusalem Governorate Water Utility.
The shutdown directly affects 19 Palestinian communities, including Deir Dibwan, Burqa, Beitin, and Al-Taybeh. An additional 14 areas receive water through connection to the Ramallah Station, including the Jalazone Refugee Camp and Birzeit University. In total, the Ain Samia system serves an estimated 110,000 people either fully or partially.
Water utility officials have issued urgent appeals to local and international organizations, calling for immediate intervention to protect Palestinian water resources. They warn that continued attacks could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe, potentially depriving more than 70,000 residents of their basic right to clean water.
The facility's strategic importance extends beyond its immediate service area, as it helps maintain water pressure and supply stability across northern and eastern sections of the Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorates.
Officials said the attacks are part of a systematic campaign of sabotage and called for international pressure to halt what they characterized as deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure essential for daily life.
The water authority emphasized that restoring service depends not only on repairing damaged equipment but also on ensuring the safety of technical personnel who must access the remote facility to conduct maintenance and monitoring operations.
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