RAMALLAH, July 21, 2025 (WAFA) – The Jerusalem Governorate Water Utility announced on Monday a complete halt of water pumping from the wells and stations in the Ain Samia area, east of Kafr Malik, due to escalating attacks by Israeli settlers on vital infrastructure.
In an official statement, the utility confirmed it has lost all technical and administrative control over the entire water system in Ain Samia, following a series of direct assaults on electrical networks, pumping equipment, communication systems, and surveillance cameras. These attacks have led to the total suspension of operations, cutting off water supply to dozens of neighboring villages and towns in northern and eastern Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorates.
The utility also noted that internet and telecommunications services remain disrupted in the area, severely hindering technical access, system restoration efforts, and field crew safety.
The Jerusalem Water Authority called on all official and human rights organizations, both local and international, to intervene immediately and urgently to halt these dangerous attacks. It called for international protection of Palestinian water resources and serious pressure to stop what it described as a systematic campaign of sabotage.
The authority further warned of an impending humanitarian catastrophe that could deprive over 70,000 residents of their basic right to water, if the situation continues.
Settlers renewed their attacks on Sunday, vandalizing surveillance cameras and tampering with vital water infrastructure in Ain Samia — a critical groundwater source in northeastern Ramallah. The area contains five active wells, with depths ranging from 100 to 500 meters.
The total production capacity of Ain Samia's wells is estimated at 12,000 cubic meters per day, representing 17% of the daily water supply managed by the Jerusalem Governorate Water Utility.
The Ain Samia wells directly serve 19 Palestinian communities including, Deir Dibwan, Burqa, Beitin, Ein Yabrud, Kafr Malik, Al-Taybeh, Ramun, Deir Jarir, Silwad, Al-Mazra'a ash-Sharqiya, Abu Falah, Al-Mughayyir, Turmus Ayya, Sinjil, Jiljilya, Abwein, 'Arura, and Mazari' al-Nubani.
In addition, they help supply water jointly (via the Ramallah Station) to 14 other areas, including:
Dura al-Qara', Al-Jalazone Refugee Camp, Jifna, Ein Siniya, Birzeit and Birzeit University, Abu Qash, 'Atara, Deir Sudan, 'Ajjul, Jibiya, Burham, Kobar, Abu Shukheidim, and Al-Mazra'a al-Qibliya.
The water system in Ain Samia serves an estimated 110,000 people, either fully or partially.
Y.S
