On December, 3, 1998, forty-five heads of shami goats, which belong to a Palestinian farmer in 'Ein El-Bayda (Figure 1), were killed as a result of eating Sefsan material. This was spread in large quantity by the Israeli settlements of Mahoula colony on agricultural lands belonging to the Palestinians. These farms were planted with wheat and vegetable crops. ), were killed as a result of eating Sefsan material. This was spread in large quantity by the Israeli settlements of Mahoula colony on agricultural lands belonging to the Palestinians. These farms were planted with wheat and vegetable crops.
Figure 1: Location map of 'Ein El Bayda
Sefsan is a toxic insecticide, its active ingredient is Sodium Fluosilicate. Usually, this insecticide is used to control rodents and insects in agriculture. It is a toxic material not only to insects but also to human, livestock and any other living being. The Israelis spread this toxic insecticide on the Palestinian farms, without any consideration to human rights. They did not even put up sign to inform the people who are living in the area about the negative effects of this insecticide. Ein El-Bayda, Bardalah, and Kardala villages are located within the Tubas district in the northern part of the Jordan valley. They are very close to the Green Line (Figure 2). ).
Figure 2: Arial Photo Showing the Target Area
The main source of income for the people living in this area comes from agriculture and livestock. They have about 40,000 heads of goats and sheep, and 15,000 heads of cattle. However, Israel has imposed many restrictions on the use of land and water resources by the Palestinians. Livestock are facing problems associated with limited grazing area, as a major part of the grazing area has declared by the Israelis a closed military zones.
The Palestinian veterinary department approved that the direct reason resulting in killing the goats was the active ingredient of sefsan insecticide; that spread by the Israelis. In order to hide their crime, the Israeli soldiers buried the killed goats.
Field investigation showed that the quantity of Sefsan which was spread in the Palestinian fields was enough to kill hundreds of grazing animals in the area. Therefore, the Mayor of Tubas Municipality has asked the people to avoid grazing their animals in the poisoned areas. This tragic occurrence is one of many annoyances and restrictions imposed by the Israelis on the Palestinian farmers, in an attempt to displace them from their lands.
Prepared by:
The Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem
