Tens of Thousands Left Without Sewage Services

Sewage flowing in the neighborhood of the Shuafat Refugee Camp, July 2026. Photo courtesy of neighborhood residents.

On July 8, 2026, ACRI appealed to the Mayor of Jerusalem, the CEO of the water utility company Hagihon, and the Director of the Water Authority, demanding the immediate provision of sewage services to residents of the Shuafat Refugee Camp neighborhood in East Jerusalem. Sewage services in the neighborhood were previously provided by UNRWA, but following the law passed by the Knesset in 2024 prohibiting UNRWA from providing services or carrying out activities within Israel, UNRWA gradually ceased its operations in the neighborhood. In March 2026, its activities stopped entirely, and since then there has been no one providing sewage services to the neighborhood, which is home to tens of thousands of people. 

The absence of ongoing sewage maintenance has led to flooding, foul odors, and public health risks. Residents are forced to handle problems themselves and pay out of pocket for routine sewage repairs. Some streets are plagued by an overwhelming stench. Repeated appeals by residents to the Jerusalem Municipality and Hagihon have gone unanswered. 

In the appeal, ACRI Attorney Tal Hassin emphasized the responsibility of the Jerusalem Municipality, Hagihon, and the governmental Water and Sewage Authority to provide sewage services in the neighborhood. These three groups have obligations towards the neighborhood’s residents, particularly when it comes to the provision of an essential public service that directly affects the health, dignity, and the ability to maintain a basic daily routine for tens of thousands of people. We demanded that Hagihon immediately provide regular sewage services, including clearing blockages, addressing flooding, and pumping wastewater. We also called on the Jerusalem Municipality to fulfill its sanitation and public health responsibilities, and demanded that the Water Authority exercise its supervisory and enforcement powers to ensure adequate, continuous, and equal service for the residents of Shuafat. 

ACRI's appeal, July 8, 2026 (Heb)