The occupation prevents us from planting any trees or new saplings, it’s not allowed. Any building… it’s banned, banned, banned, everything is banned. Even small stone walls, if you build, they will destroy it. If you plant a sapling they will uproot it. If you put up a tent, they will destroy it and throw it away. This is the occupation and what they do. We’re in a terrible dilemma, really terrible.
Meanwhile, six illegal Israeli settlements and outposts have been built on the valley slopes, in contravention of international law.
For nearly 20 years, waste water from the settlements was released into the valley’s stream without hindrance, despite being a protected ‘nature reserve’.
The wastewater spoiled the natural springs and farmers’ water sources, causing nearly all 50 families that once lived here and enjoyed the springs recreationally, to leave to a nearby village.
They even brought wild boars to the land that destroyed everything for us. They destroy the vegetables that we plant, they destroy the figs, grapes, oranges, almonds, peaches, everything…destroyed.
