The Israeli Occupation bulldozers level a number of water reservoirs and storages

Violation: the destruction of 8 structures.

Date: February 11, 2010.

Violators: the Israeli Occupation Army

Victims: Moh’d Atmeizi, Thiab Aj Jiyawi, Moh’d Aj Jiyawi, Ahmad al ‘Isud, Moh’d al ‘Isud.

 

Location: Al Bas area is located to the west of Idhna Town in Hebron Governorate. It is bounded by the segregation wall from the west.

 

 

 

The Israeli Occupation Authorities expropriated more than 400 dunum (1 dunum = 1000 m2) from Al Bas and Wadi al Naqi agricultural lands for the sake of the wall construction. The area which is known for its fertility and water abundance used to be planted with cereals, vegetables, citrus, fig, and prunus.

 

Most of the expropriated lands were the properties of Aj Jiyawi and ‘Isud clans. The Israeli Occupation Authorities have previously forced Nimer Aj Jiywai to leaving his land after demolishing his 50 years old house besides confiscating large areas of his properties for the sake of the segregation wall.

 

 

 

On February 11, 2010, the Israeli Occupation Army Bulldozers destroyed a number of water reservoirs and tool shacks. The dozers destroyed 5 water reservoirs and 3 tool shacks in the area bounded by the segregation wall from its western side. It must be known that the devastated reservoirs were built over groundwater sources located by the farmers themselves.

 

The local farmers stated that groups of soldiers accompanied by a number of ‘the Israeli Occupation Civil Administration’ employees and the dozers showed up from behind the wall. Soon afterwards, the soldiers imposed a security cordon and the dozers initiated the destruction process. The Israeli soldiers claimed that ‘they are following orders calling for demolishing these structures’.

 

Sabotages went along with the destruction process. The heavy bulldozers left destroyed everything on their way including plants, water pumps, and irrigation networks. In addition, the soldiers confiscated a number of pumps and generators.

 

 

  

 

Mr. Jamal At Tmeizi, Idhna Mayor, pointed that what was done is part of the Palestinians strangulation policy adopted by the Israelis. Moh’d al ‘Isud, one of the victims, expressed fear of the confiscation process which threatens the whole Al Bas area including the Wadi al Naqi knowing that the segregation wall has already devoured hundreds of dunums. He said:’ the destroyed water reservoir was dug 50 years ago, it is been a family heritage as my grandfather, my father, and I have used it. However, the Occupation Authorities destroyed it. He also said that one of the soldiers told the farmers:’ we will ban you all from entering the valley (Wadi al Naqi)’.

 

 

No.	Name	Number of structures	Irrigated land area	Family members	Type of structure	Construction date	picture
1	Moh’d Atmeizi	2	4	10	Water reservoirs & tool shack	1998
2	Thiab Aj Jiyawi	2	4	14	Water reservoirs & tool shack	1997
3	Moh’d Aj Jiyawi	2	5	6	Water reservoirs & tool shack	1997
4	Ahmad al ‘Isud	1	4	8	Water reservoirs	1997
5	Moh’d al ‘Isud	1	15	9	Water reservoirs	1950
Total		8	32	47

 

 

Moh’d al ‘Isud further explained:’ I have not received any demolition orders. Re-digging the reservoir will cost around 5000 $! The other farmers and I suffered from considerable material damage’.

 

It is apparent that a brutal campaign is being held against the agricultural sector in Hebron area.

 

After the destruction campaign in Al Baq’a neighborhood eastern Hebron and Beit Ummar to the north, currently Idhna is being the target where numerous halt construction and stop-work orders were issued in addition to the unstoppable demolition campaign against the agricultural lands and structures.