Israel evacuates Palestinians in the Jordan Valley

Israeli occupation forces have evacuated around 100 Palestinians from their homes in Al-Mayteh and Al-Borj districts in the Southern Jordan Valley. The displacement has taken place because the area is going to be used for military exercises this week.

According to local resident Waleed Daraghmeh, the Israelis have imposed what amounts to a siege on the whole area in preparation for the exercises. He criticised the programme, pointing out that the children will be unable to attend school while the exercises are taking place.

“Such repeated exercises pose a severe threat to the lives of the residents in the Valley,” he said. “People are tired of the continuous suffering from such hostile Israeli actions.”

He drew attention to the fact that even when they are allowed to go back to their homes the residents are endangered by unexploded devices which the military leaves behind. He called upon all human rights organisations to help bring about an end to their plight.