In this letter from the field, authors propose that person-to-person (P2P) science diplomacy can bring positive change between Israelis and Palestinians, as illustrated by the work of an organization called STEP (Science Training Encouraging Peace).

New potential solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian water conflict can be found by harnessing knowledge produced by social sciences to promote a demand management approach and addressing disciplinary divisions.

Meaningful Israeli-Palestinian science cooperation today is constrained by the political and societal realities. Nevertheless, international engagement on Palestinian science capacity building encourages and enables long-term, peaceful cooperation.

The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) program, which encourages cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians, and other Arab partners, advances science and professional relationships.  

SESAME, the only synchrotron in the Middle East, seeks to achieve scientific excellence, attract and retain scientists, and foster regional cooperation, while overcoming sometimes tense political relationships.

By framing water agreements in non-zero-sum terms and building trust over time, even countries in conflict can successfully manage shared water resources for mutual benefit.