US launches $10 million water project in West Bank

The US government launches a $10 million project to improve access to wastewater treatment and water for Palestinian farmers in the Jericho area of the West Bank.

A top aide to US President Donald Trump, Jason Greenblatt, was among officials launching the project in the historic city near the Dead Sea. Greenblatt has been among Trump’s aides seeking to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. US officials have spoken of improving the Palestinian economy and infrastructure as part of their efforts.

At Sunday’s event, Greenblatt did not comment on White House peace efforts, which have been met with heavy skepticism from many analysts. He also did not speak about a unity deal signed last week between Palestinian rival factions Fatah and Hamas, aimed at ending their decade-long division.

The project announced Sunday aims to increase the number of homes connected to the Jericho area’s wastewater treatment plant previously built with Japanese assistance by about 10,000 residents. That would leave some 70 percent of Jericho residents connected, according to the US consulate in Jerusalem.

Recycled wastewater would then be available to Palestinian date farmers in the area, it says.

“The US administration and President Trump personally remain committed to a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis, and a central element of that peace is a thriving economy and real opportunities for Palestinians throughout the West Bank and Gaza,” US Consul General Donald Blome says.

— AFP