Hebron Governor: Palestinian Families Have Not Left Despite Israeli Attacks
Amman2 min read
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Hebron Governor in the Occupied West Bank, Khaled Dudin, said on Saturday that Israeli occupation forces and settlers have destroyed water networks in the areas of Masafer Yatta and its countryside five times, despite their rehabilitation with support from international institutions.
Dudin added, in a statement to "Al-Mamlaka" that attacks on water networks, solar energy projects, and well drilling have been ongoing before the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, pointing out that the occupation forces and settlers are targeting projects implemented with international aid.
He explained that, before October 7, the occupation forces decided to confiscate about 97,000 dunams in Masafer Yatta and its countryside for a military zone to train the occupation army.
Dudin pointed out that 14 villages in Masafer Yatta and its countryside, which include about 1,600 Palestinians, distributed among 500 families, are facing difficult living conditions, amid the interruption of water networks and the need for residents to obtain water by tankers.
He added that the attacks include preventing sheep from leaving the pens, destroying crops, and stealing sheep, noting that the occupation army supports the settlers and provides them with protection during their attacks, while Palestinians face arrest or shooting when they try to defend their lands and properties.
Regarding the continued water cut-off, Dudin said that the governorate has contacted international institutions, which visited the affected areas, including the European Union, which funded the water networks and affected projects.
He expressed regret over what he described as the international reactions not being up to the level of deterring the attacks of settlers or the Israeli occupation forces.
Dudin emphasized that the families in those areas have not left despite the attacks, stressing the determination of Palestinians to stay on their lands.
He pointed out that the governorate, in cooperation with ministries, competent authorities, and local bodies, is working to provide the minimum requirements of life to support the steadfastness of citizens in their areas.
