Protests in Ciudad Juarez Demand Cancellation of Water Agreement with Israeli Agency Amidst Gaza Conflict
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico – August 1, 2026 – A group of approximately 100 people gathered yesterday at the Benito Juarez Monument in Ciudad Juarez to demand the cancellation of a cooperation agreement signed in 2023 between the Central Board of Water and Sanitation (JCAS) and the Agency for International Cooperation and Development of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MASHAV). Activists argue that maintaining ties with Israel is incompatible with the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Activists Cite Gaza Conflict and Lack of Legal Validity
The demonstrators expressed their disapproval of the collaboration agreement with Israeli institutions, stating that it is incongruous given the conflict in Gaza and the international accusations against Israel regarding its military actions in Palestinian territory. A key slogan during the protest was: “A diplomatic agreement with a genocidal nation over the issue of Palestine should not be maintained.”
The agreement, signed on February 23, 2023, and valid until 2027, aims to exchange knowledge and experiences to strengthen efficient water management in Chihuahua through technical cooperation between both institutions.
Environmental activists also contended that the agreement lacks legal validity because it is not registered in the National Registry of International Agreements (RENCID). They interpret the Law on the Celebration of Treaties as requiring such registration for this type of cooperation instrument.
JCAS Director Dismisses Criticisms as Politically Motivated
In response to these allegations, the executive director of JCAS, Mario Mata Carrasco, denied any foreign interference resulting from the technological agreement. He dismissed the criticisms, considering them to be politically motivated. “It is petty to try to obtain political benefits from this issue,” Mata Carrasco stated.
Simultaneous Protests in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua Capital
The protests were held simultaneously in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua capital. In Ciudad Juarez, participants gathered on Vicente Guerrero Avenue, chanting slogans related to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, as well as the bombings in the Gaza Strip and violence in the occupied West Bank.
In the state capital, approximately 200 people were reported to have attended a similar demonstration.
The events underscore a growing sentiment among a segment of the population in Chihuahua against maintaining diplomatic and cooperative ties with Israel, particularly in light of recent international developments.
Source: adiario.mx
