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As a result, serious waterborne diseases are common, including "watery diarrhea and acute bloody diarrhea." Both are major causes of death. In addition, the Coastal Aquifer has nitrate levels exceeding WHO standards by up to 1,600% and chloride ones of 1,200%.
Under siege, moreover, materials necessary to improve water and sanitation infrastructure are denied. Through mid-2011, 17 water and sanitation projects were on indefinite hold due to lack of what's needed to implement them.
It's estimated that all natural Gazan water will be unusable by 2016. As a result, the Strip will be unfit for human habitation.
In the West Bank's Israeli controlled Area C, Palestinian cisterns, wells and springs are regularly destroyed. At times, water infrastructure is also to free more water up for settlers. Israel also targets rooftop storage containers, water tankers and tractors used to transport water, including ones belonging to humanitarian organizations.
From January - July 2011, 755 Palestinians were forcibly displaced following destruction of their homes as well as water and irrigation infrastructure. The welfare of another 1,400 were also adversely affected.
In addition, settlers regularly attack Palestinian water sources and infrastructure. Vandalism includes filling a distribution pipe with concrete, dumping raw sewage, diapers, and chicken carcasses into spring water, and using large rocks to impede its flow. These and others like them happen regularly with impunity.
Israel's Separation Wall not only steals Palestinian land, it denies them access, including often to water sources. In fact, the Wall's path "clearly places control of Palestinian water sources in the hands of Israel." It entirely denies them access to the water-rich Western Aquifer.
Cut off from two-thirds of their land, Jayyus villagers get only 23 lpcd. In summer, it's rationed to two hours daily. Qalqilya's 43,000 residents have been separated from 80% of their agricultural land as well as 11 wells.
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