Israeli Forces Target Palestinian Wells and Water Networks in Jordan Valley
Israeli forces have intensified the targeting of Palestinian wells, pipelines and water networks in the northern Jordan Valley, threatening access to water and putting agricultural livelihoods at risk, according to local residents and officials.
Farmers say the damage is making it harder to irrigate crops, provide water for livestock and meet basic household needs in communities that rely heavily on agriculture.
In Atouf, farmer Abdul Majid Sa’aydeh said Israeli forces recently filled in his water well for the third time in less than five years. He said a main pipeline serving Atouf and nearby Ras al-Ahmar was also destroyed after sections were first damaged by settlers and later uprooted by an Israeli military bulldozer.
The destruction has reportedly deprived around 30 livestock-raising families of water and affected about 8,000 dunams of irrigated farmland. Local officials also said three artesian wells in Atouf and Ras al-Ahmar were filled in, affecting roughly 7,500 dunams of farmland in the al-Baqi’a plain.
Residents say repeated damage to water infrastructure is increasing pressure on Palestinian farmers and herders, making it more difficult for them to remain on their land.
Israeli authorities have said enforcement actions in Area C of the West Bank involve Palestinian construction or infrastructure built without Israeli-issued permits.
