On June 21^st 2010, Mr. Nidal Atallah, Counselor in the Palestinian Hydrology Group, delivered a lecture on water status in Palestine since 1967 and the policy that the occupation adopts in dealing with water resources that spread across the Palestinian land. He also discussed water problems and crises that people encounter in the West Bank and Gaza. The lecture targeted volunteers who are participating in the international volunteering camp this year which is organized by the International Youth Exchange Program (Zajel) of the Public Relations Department at the University.

Mr. Atallah discussed a number of vital issues related to water status in Palestine. Topics included: conflict over water in the Middle East and the role that the Israeli settlements play in taking over water resources that belong to the Palestinians. He further explained the different obstacles and challenges that water projects face. Such projects which are designed to cater for the needs of the locals with respect to the provision of water are greatly affected by the irresponsible practices of the occupation.

He also described the unfair distribution of water which means that many Palestinians are left with only a small amount of water which can not meet their daily needs. Moreover, he talked about water resources in Gaza pointing out that people there are having difficulties in gaining access to fresh water resources most of which were contaminated.

For further illustration, Mr. Atallah provided numbers and statistics that revealed the severity of water problems in Palestine highlighting the instability that characterizes water situation in the country. This lecture came as part of a series of workshops that the Zajel program holds everyday to familiarize internationals with the difficult situations that the Palestinians are facing under occupation as for example the water situation.