I am very interested in the shortages of clean water in the Palestinian Territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The area has a long history of conflict, and as such the health of the population is at significant risk. In terms of climate, the region is arid, with hot dry summers and frequent periods of drought. It shares borders with Israel and Egypt and backs up to the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to the tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Territories and the power and influence which Israel holds, insufficient resources are devoted to providing clean water in Palestinian areas. In fact, Israeli settlers often contribute to the problem, polluting the few water sources that Palestinians have access to. Israel also draws water from the underground aquifers which extend into Palestinian territory. Because both Israel and Palestine are pressed for water due to their environmental conditions and heavy reliance on the limited water supply available in underground aquifers, access to water often causes or exacerbates conflict.
