FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Palestinian authorities and activists accuse the Israeli government of trying to take control of one of the world's oldest water supply systems, calling it an escalation of the conflict over land and historical heritage in the West Bank.
A complex of immense historical significance near Bethlehem has become the latest flashpoint in a standoff between Israelis and Palestinians. It is Solomon's Pools, an ancient system of water reservoirs that Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said Israel should take control of.
In May, Smotrich called the Oslo Accords, which more than 30 years ago handed over administration of the area to the Palestinian Authority, "one of the biggest mistakes." He said the Israeli government was working to "repair the damage" caused by the agreements.
Following these statements, according to residents and local organizations, the presence of Israeli settlers and military forces in the area has increased. In July, Israeli soldiers entered the compound and used tear gas, while children were bathing in the tanks.
A monument with over 2,000 years of history
Solomon's Pools are located about 3.5 kilometers southwest of Bethlehem and consist of three giant reservoirs built in different historical periods.
Their origins date back to the 2nd century BC, while the largest construction was carried out by the Romans a century later, as part of an engineering system that included reservoirs, aqueducts and tunnels to transport water to Jerusalem, about 13 kilometers away.
During the Ottoman Empire, a third monumental reservoir was built, as well as a fort to protect the water supply. During the British Mandate period, the system was modernized with pumps and metal pipes.
Today, the reservoirs no longer supply Jerusalem with water, but have become one of the most important recreational spaces for the residents of Bethlehem and the surrounding villages.
A shelter for the inhabitants of Bethlehem
On weekends and during holidays, hundreds of Palestinian families visit Solomon's Pools to bathe, spend time in nature, and picnic.
With the expansion of Israeli settlements around Bethlehem, the area has become one of the few green spaces left available to residents.
"It's the only place in Bethlehem where you can find water, shade and greenery. Now they're trying to take that away too," said Mahmoud Jaber, an activist and farmer from the village of Artas.
The clash over history and territory
The basins are important not only for the inhabitants, but also for world heritage. With a combined capacity of around 250 thousand cubic meters of water, they are considered one of the largest and best-preserved ancient water supply systems in the world.
According to the Second Oslo Accords of 1995, the complex is located in Area A, which is under the civil and police administration of the Palestinian Authority.
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, backed by far-right parties, has stepped up efforts to expand Israeli control in the West Bank. Analysts warn that a possible takeover of the Solomon Basin would set a new precedent, calling into question the status of areas that, under international agreements, are administered by the Palestinians.
Israeli archaeologist Alon Arad, head of the Emek Shaveh organization, which deals with the protection of archaeological sites, said that this site is being used to undermine the Oslo Accords.
" The site is being used as a tool to dilute and, essentially, nullify the Oslo Accords ," he declared, adding that there are about 6,000 archaeological sites in the West Bank, while only a small fraction of them are related to Jewish heritage. / The Guardian
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