RAMALLAH 

The head of the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA), Mazen Ghoneim, hailed Turkey's efforts Tuesday to support Palestinians and the nation’s water sector.

The praise came during a meeting between Ghoneim and Ahmet Riza Demirer, Turkey's Consul General in Jerusalem.

The meeting discussed priorities of strategic projects that PWA is working to implement, especially the central desalination plant program in the Gaza Strip.

Ghoneim pointed out that the central station contributes to saving more than 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip from disaster and provides safe drinking water. He briefed Demirer on developments in implementing the desalination plant program.

Demirer praised developments to implement the project, reiterating support for the Palestinians. Sides are also expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in coming days.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip complain of severe salinity and water shortages.

About 96% of groundwater in the Gaza Strip is unsafe for use, and below internationally recommended rates, according to PWA.

*Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara