Israel

An Israeli human rights group says the West Bank is facing a severewater shortage largely as a result of what it calls "discriminatory"Israeli policies.

The rights group, B'Tselem accused IsraelTuesday of discrimination in the distribution of joint water resourcesbetween Jewish settlers and Palestinians. It warned that a watershortage would have serious repercussions on the economy and health oftens of thousands of Palestinians.

The group said Israel alsolimits the Palestinian Authority's ability to drill new wells. It saidthe effects of several years of drought will make a water shortage evenworse in coming months.

The Israeli water company, Mekorot,denied the allegations. It said it has provided more water to the WestBank than is required under the 1993 Israel-Palestinian Oslo peaceaccord.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and.